Former Queens Assemblyman Sentenced to Prison

WNYC News | Jul 12, 2010

New York, NY —

Former Queens Assemblyman Anthony Seminerio has been sentenced to six years in prison for fraud. He pleaded guilty last year to defrauding his constituents of services he should have provided as part of his regular duties. He then resigned after 31 years in office.

In a Manhattan federal courtroom today, packed with Seminerio supporters, Seminerio's attorney asked the judge for leniency and house arrest, calling the 74-year-old Democrat a "good man."

The judge told Seminerio that all the support he was getting just proves that he hasn't been honest about the extent of his corrupt dealings, and that he has abused the public's trust.

Prosecutors say Seminerio used his consulting firm to solicit about $1 million dollars from companies and groups seeking business with the state.

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