The head of the Bronx County Republican Party is among several public officials arrested in an ongoing corruption probe by the FBI.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Joseph Savino is accused of taking bribes in exchange for helping Democratic state Sen. Malcolm Smith get onto the ballot for New York City mayor as a Republican. The criminal complaint says Savino allegedly received $40,000 and a promise of $40,000 more in cash.
Smith was also taken into custody, along with a city councilman and three other political figures, early Tuesday morning. The charges against them include bribery, extortion, and wire and mail fraud.
