General News
Greek-American James A. Koshivos, 21, Killed after Car Plunged into Ocean
FALMOUTH, MA – The police in Falmouth have identified the victim in an accident involving a car plunging into the ocean on February 20, NBC10 Boston reported.
NEW YORK — The former leader of the New York Senate and his son were indicted May 29 on conspiracy and extortion charges as prosecutors boosted the amount of money from $200,000 to $300,000 that they allege was illegally steered to the son.
The indictment was returned by a grand jury in Manhattan federal court against 67-year-old Dean Skelos and his 32-year-old son, Adam.
The men from Rockville Centre, Long Island, were released on bail earlier this month after they surrendered to face charges that Dean Skelos teamed with real estate developers, an environmental technology company and campaign donors to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, gratuities and extortion payments to benefit his son.
Dean Skelos was New York state’s most powerful Republican when he was arrested and accused by prosecutors of taking official actions to secure the money.
Skelos has said he will fight the charges and that he and his son will be vindicated. His son’s lawyer has said Adam Skelos is not guilty
The indictment largely mirrored a criminal complaint that earlier described evidence.
It added to the accusations, though, by claiming that Adam Skelos received more than $100,000 in payments and health benefits from a medical malpractice insurer. The indictment said the insurer provided Adam Skelos with a no-show job while it lobbied his father on legislative matters.
Defense lawyers did not immediately comment on the indictment.
According to court papers, the scheme was carried out since at least 2010. The government said evidence includes court-authorized wiretaps on cellphones used by the father and son. Charges included two conspiracy counts, two extortion counts and two counts of soliciting bribes. The charges carry potential penalties of more than 80 years in prison.
The indictment sought forfeiture of $300,000 from bank accounts held in the name of Adam Skelos and his wife, along with property in Rockville Centre.
Dean Skelos was re-elected majority leader in January after sharing the post with another senator from 2011 to 2013. He stepped down from the position after his arrest and was replaced by another Long Island Republican, Sen. John Flanagan. Skelos, first elected to the Senate in 1984, has retained his legislative seat.
His arrest came four months after federal prosecutors in Manhattan arrested Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Manhattan Democrat, on charges that he took nearly $4 million in payoffs. Silver also relinquished his position after his arrest, though he retained his Assembly seat. He has pleaded not guilty.
LARRY NEUMEISTER, Associated Press
FALMOUTH, MA – The police in Falmouth have identified the victim in an accident involving a car plunging into the ocean on February 20, NBC10 Boston reported.
CASPAR BEACH, Calif. (AP) — A welding hammer strapped to her wrist, Joy Hollenback slipped on blue fins and swam into the churning, chilly Pacific surf one fall morning to do her part to save Northern California's vanishing kelp forests.
NEW YORK – The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America on December 8 announced the formation of the Advisory Committee on Mission Fulfillment for St.
LONDON (AP) — Mohamed Salah scored his 200th Liverpool goal on Saturday as Jurgen Klopp’s team came from behind to beat 10-man Crystal Palace 2-1 in the Premier League.
ROME (AP) — A fire broke out in a hospital on Rome's outskirts, killing at least three people and forcing the overnight evacuation of the smoke-filled facility and its nearly 200 patients, officials said Saturday.
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United States vetoed a United Nations resolution Friday backed by almost all other Security Council members and dozens of other nations demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza.