6 The Queens Courier • FEBRUARY 6, 2014 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com Smith, Halloran still seeking dismissal BY MELISSA CHAN mchan@queenscourier.com State Senator Malcolm Smith and former Councilmember Dan Halloran will return to court later this month to see if a judge will dismiss some federal corruption charges. They were due back in court January 31, but the meeting was adjourned until February 28, sources said. Halloran, Smith and four others were accused last April of conspiring with the city’s Republican Party leaders to allow Smith, a Democrat, to run for mayor as a Republican. Federal prosecutors said Halloran negotiated payoffs and set up meetings between Smith and the county bosses, allegedly pocketing thousands in the process. Lawyers for the two say the act is not considered bribery under New York state law. A judge will soon decide on motions to throw out some of the charges, said Smith’s attorney, Gerald Shargel. “It’s progressing in the normal course,” Shargel said. Smith’s lawyer also wants the trial delayed until after this year’s Democratic primary to give the southeast Queens politician a fighting chance at re-election. The primary is expected to take place in September, while the trial is scheduled to begin in June. Two challengers, attorneys Clyde Vanel and Munir Avery, have already surfaced to unseat Smith. “I don’t think that he would otherwise have a fair opportunity to present his position to his constituents,” Shargel said. The lawyer plans to submit a written request to the court February 7, he said. Meanwhile, another codefendant in the massive bribery scandal has pleaded guilty. Joseph Desmaret, the former Spring Valley deputy mayor, confessed to accepting about $10,500 in cash bribes from an undercover FBI agent, according to Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. The 56-year-old pleaded guilty January 29 in White Plains federal court and faces up to 40 years in prison. He is slated for sentencing May 22. Former Bronx Republican chair Joseph “Jay” Savino pleaded guilty in connection with the case last November. Other co-defendants, former Queens GOP vice chair Vincent Tabone and Spring Valley Mayor Noramie Jasmin, say they are innocent. State Senator Malcolm Smith and former Councilmember Dan Halloran ALWAYS TIRED? NEED MORE ENERGY? WANT TO LIVE A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE? FREE TRIAL SESSION WITH A CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER (new clients only) CALL FOR APPOINTMENT 718-224-0844 I joined rebound about a year ago and I am so glad I did. The one on one training from my personal trainers Mike and Nam meet my speci c needs. They created a plan to deal with my lower back issues. I now have better range of motion and no pain. I am much stronger, leaner, and more exible. They surpassed all other trainers I’ve ever had. Testimonial by Matt V. ONE ON ONE PERSONAL TRAINING PROGRAM DESIGNED JUST FOR YOU! Seniors • Adults • Kids WALK-INS WELCOME GET FIT IN 2014 BY APPOINTMENT 212-12 41ST AVENUE • BAYSIDE • 718-224-0844 www.reboundftc.com facebook.reboundftc.com Mon.-Fri. • 6am-11pm Saturday • 9am-6pm Sunday • closed Join us at A Culinary and Cultural Celebration to Benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens... Monday, March 10 at 6:00 PM Russo's on the Bay, Howard Beach, NY Participating Restaurants as of (2/1/14): Amagansett Wines & Spirits Coca-Cola Bottling Co Gino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant La Dolce Italia Manor Oktoberfest Matteo’s Russo’s on the Bay Schmidt’s Confectionery Uncle Bacala Woodhaven House Vetro Individual Tickets are $75 per person (tickets must be purchased in advance) Please call 718-441-6050 ext 206 For more information about how you Can RSVP for this event or Visit us online at www.metroqueens.org Enjoy a sampling of gourmet delights & fine wines.
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