The Supreme Court has decided not to review federal bribery charges against former New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin, a Democrat who resigned two years ago amid allegations of seeking campaign contributions in exchange for a state grant. Benjamin, a former state lawmaker, argued that prosecutors overreached by linking his request for campaign funds from a real estate developer to his decision to secure a $50,000 state grant for the developer's nonprofit group.
Benjamin was appointed to the position of Lt. Gov. by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul after she assumed office following Andrew Cuomo's resignation in 2021. Benjamin resigned in 2022 after being arrested and indicted on bribery charges.
The Supreme Court's decision comes at a time when it has been limiting federal prosecutors' ability to bring charges under anti-corruption laws. Earlier this year, the court ruled in favor of a former Indiana mayor convicted of accepting money from a trucking company, stating that federal bribery laws do not cover 'gratuities.'
Benjamin's legal argument centered on the lack of an explicit quid pro quo, citing First Amendment protections related to campaign finances. The Justice Department countered that Benjamin's interpretation was flawed and that he had filed the case prematurely.
The charges against Benjamin stem from his 2019 campaign for New York City comptroller, during which he sought financial support from a real estate developer. After learning he could direct state funds to nonprofit organizations, Benjamin allocated a $50,000 grant to the developer's group, who subsequently made campaign contributions totaling $25,000 to Benjamin.
While a federal district court initially dismissed the charges, the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in New York sided with prosecutors, sending Benjamin's case back for trial.
