FILE IMAGE - New York Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin spearing at the Islamic Cultural Center of the Bronx on Jan. 16, 2022, in the Bronx, New York during a funeral for 15 people who died in an apartment fire. (Photo by J.
Conrad Williams Jr./News NEW YORK - New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin was arrested Tuesday in a federal corruption investigation, creating a political crisis for Gov.
Kathy Hochul seven months after she selected Benjamin as a partner to make a fresh start in an office already rocked by scandal.Benjamin, a Democrat, was accused in an indictment of participating in a scheme to obtain campaign contributions from a real estate developer in exchange for Benjamin’s agreement to use his influence as a state senator to get a $50,000 grant of state funds for a nonprofit organization the developer controlled.Facing charges including bribery, fraud, conspiracy and falsification of records, Benjamin pleaded not guilty Tuesday at an initial appearance in Manhattan federal court.
He was released and bail was set at $250,000.Two lawyers representing Benjamin did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.RELATED: Brian Benjamin is sworn in as lieutenant governor of New YorkGov.