FILE - Former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver exits the Manhattan U.S. District Courthouse in New York City, U.S., May 3, 2016.  REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
FILE – Former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver exits the Manhattan U.S. District Courthouse in New York City, U.S., May 3, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

 

Manhattan, NY – A former New York Assembly speaker convicted in a $5 million corruption case is asking to remain free pending appeal.

Lawyers for Democrat Sheldon Silver said Friday the U.S. Supreme Court is considering changing the limits of a law used to convict him. They say the change may cause a reversal of his conviction.

The 72-year-old Manhattan resident was sentenced last week to 12 years in prison. He’s scheduled to report to prison July 1.

His lawyers have asked a judge to block collection of a $1.75 million fine and a $5.3 million forfeiture order until appeals are completed. They say he otherwise will have to sell homes he jointly owns with his wife.

A U.S. attorney’s office spokeswoman has declined to comment.‎

As reported by Vos Iz Neias