Federal prosecutors are seeking a stiffer sentence for former Bronx state senator Efrain Gonzalez who they say lied to a judge when he said he wanted to withdraw his guilty plea because he believed he was innocent. Gonzalez, who is scheduled to be sentenced on May 25, could now be facing 11 to 14 years in prison.
A year ago, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to fraud and conspiracy charges for diverting state funds to pay for personal expenses, including an apartment in the Dominican Republic, Yankee tickets and labels for his own brand of cigars. Earlier this year, Gonzalez said he was pressured into pleading guilty by his former lawyer, Murray Richman, and wanted to withdraw his plea and take his chances in a trial. The judge refused to allow Gonzalez to withdraw his plea, calling his coercion claims, "preposterous."
On Wednesday, police busted up what they described as a major drug operation in Morris Heights. After a months-long sting operation, arrested the alleged leader of the lucrative drug business, Jose Delorbe, and 14 others in connection with it. Officials said Delorbe had turned 1571 Undercliff Avenue into a guarded fortress -- New Jack City-style -- where they stashed and sold large quantities of cocaine and heroin. More on NY1.
Speaking of drug dealers, an NYPD cop pleaded guilty yesterday to stealing from dealers in the Bronx, Queens, Manhattand Brooklyn.
A bunch of the Parks Department's electronic mini-cars caught fire yesterday while they were being charged in Orchard Beach.
Some more on Bronx boxer Maureen Shea, who's fighting tonight at the Paradise Theater.
Enjoy the weekend!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Bronx News Roundup, May 14
Labels:
drug bust,
Efrain Gonzalez,
maureen shea,
Morris Heights
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