6 The Courier sun • february 6, 2014 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com Smith, Halloran still seeking dismissal BY MELISA 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 Full Service Web Design Free Consultation �� Are you happy with your current turn around time for updates? �� We specialize in doing updates quickly! �� Are you still running your business without a website? �� Economical solutions to meet your needs 516-541-3616 888-656-6141 www.NextWave-Solutions.com 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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