NEW YORK – A former top aide to New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo was sentenced Thursday to six years in prison after he was found guilty of corruption earlier this year.
Joseph Percoco was convicted of selling his influence in exchange for more than $300,000 in bribes.
Percoco was convicted of soliciting and accepting bribes from companies that wanted to work with New York State.
Cuomo, who recently distanced himself from his former aid, said Thursday Percoco is “paying the price for violating the public trust.”
U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni tried to put the sentencing of Joseph Percoco in perspective, noting other recent high-profile convictions of state leaders.
She said those seeking the modest salaries of government jobs should not seek to supplement their incomes by accepting bribes.
Percoco’s attorney’s vowed to appeal the sentencing.
