Sheldon Silver, ex-Assembly Speaker, Sentenced to 12 Years

Former New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver says he's looking toward appeals as he left court following his 12-year prison sentence announcement.

The 72-year-old Democrat told reporters outside Manhattan federal court Tuesday that he still believes in the justice system. He says he will pursue all available remedies. That means a three-judge federal appeals panel will be hearing from him soon.

Federal Judge Valerie Caproni told him to report to prison July 1. She says she hopes the sentence sends a message to other politicians that they will face severe penalties if they engage in corruption.

Silver was convicted by a jury last year of making $5 million illegally.

Prosecutors had sought a sentence of more than 14 years while defense attorneys argued for home detention.