Ex-Senate Leader Bruno To Stay Free During Appeal

ALBANY ― A federal judge says former New York Senate leader Joseph Bruno will remain free during his appeal in a corruption case after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected other convictions for "honest services" fraud.

U.S. District Judge Gary Sharpe, who sentenced Bruno to two years in prison, noted the retired lawmaker's appeal raises "a substantial question of law."

The Supreme Court ruled in June that the statute criminalizes only schemes involving bribes or kickbacks.

Bruno's lawyers argued that neither was alleged by prosecutors, who claimed taxpayers were denied Bruno's honest services because he concealed outside business interests that benefited from his public post.

Prosecutors didn't oppose letting Bruno remain free on his own recognizance. Sharpe ruled last week.

Bruno was acquitted of five counts and convicted of two on mail and wire fraud on December 7, 2009.