Nelson Castro (Photo: assembly.state.ny.us)
As expected, Bronx Assemblyman Nelson Castro, who wore a wire to help indict his colleague, Eric Stevenson, announced his resignation today. Stepping down from office, in addition to cooperating with federal authorities, were steps he took in order to avoid prosecution himself.
"Today I announce that I am resigning my seat in the New York State Assembly, effective Monday, April 8, 2013," Mr. Castro said in the statement, which can be viewed in full below. "On July 31, 2009, I was indicted by a Bronx County Grand Jury for committing perjury in a 2008 civil matter, held prior to my election to the Assembly. I appreciate the seriousness of my misconduct. Thereafter, I agreed to cooperate with .... various investigations aimed at rooting out public corruption."
Additionally, Mr. Castro, who could be involved in future indictments as he's been cooperating for four years, ominously added, "I continue to cooperate with State and Federal authorities in this prosecution and in other investigations."
Politicker asked Mr. Castro's attorney, Michael Farkas, if he could elaborate on the 2008 perjury charge that placed his client in this mess to begin with. Mr. Farkas said he could not until the indictment against Mr. Castro is unsealed. However, it could be related to the perjury indictment outlined in a 2009 New York Daily News report where nine voters were found to be registered at Mr. Castro's one-bedroom flat.
"I can’t at this time, but I will be able to do so shortly, perhaps next week," Mr. Farkas replied.
A special election will be scheduled to replace Mr. Castro. Other elected officials charged with corruption this week, including Mr. Stevenson, State Senator Malcolm Smith and Councilman Dan Halloran continue to hold office and, at least in the case of the latter two, have publicly maintained their innocence.
View Mr. Castro's resignation announcement below:
Today I announce that I am resigning my seat in the New York State Assembly, effective Monday, April 8, 2013.
On July 31, 2009, I was indicted by a Bronx County Grand Jury for committing perjury in a 2008 civil matter, held prior to my election to the Assembly. I appreciate the seriousness of my misconduct.
Thereafter, I agreed to cooperate with the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and, later, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, in conjunction with various investigations aimed at rooting out public corruption. As one result of this cooperation, among other things, this morning a complaint was unsealed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York charging Assemblyman Eric Stevenson and four others with various federal crimes. I continue to cooperate with State and Federal authorities in this prosecution and in other investigations.
I am very proud of my accomplishments and the many benefits that I have secured on behalf of my district over the last four years. These include helping thousands of constituents to apply for U.S. citizenship on a no-fee basis, and providing educational programs focusing on the Citizenship & Naturalization Exam; obtaining funding for technology purchases and initiatives for the schools in my district; sponsoring events for senior centers and youth programs in my district and beyond; and securing additional low cost housing units in the area. Most of all, I take pride in how our diverse population has united to transcend racial and ethnic differences and work together.
My district is comprised of hard working and honest people, devoted to their families and to their community. I deeply regret my misconduct while campaigning before I was elected to office. It is my sincere hope that my constituents remember me most for the good I have done as their representative, rather than for the poor example I set as a candidate.
Because of the sensitive nature of ongoing prosecutions and investigations, I must direct all further inquiries to my attorney, Michael C. Farkas, Esq.