REPORT: Skelos and Son Expected To Be Arrested Next Week

State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son, Adam, are expected to be arrested as soon as Monday on charges stemming from an ongoing corruption investigation, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal report.  Skelos and son will face charges of conspiracy, extortion and solicitation of bribes for their dealings with a real estate developer and an environmental technology company, according to The Journal.  

If the reports of Skelos’ impending arrests are true it will be the second major corruption bust by U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Preet Bharara.  Just months ago Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was arrested on corruption charges and forced by his conference to step down as leader.  

As of Friday night, Dean Skelos had not commented on the reports. Back in February, City & State reported extensively on the politically connected jobs held by his son Adam Skelos

The news could create chaos for the remaining legislative session if the charges force Skelos to step down from his leadership seat. But, the Republican conference has traditionally been unified behind whoever is in leadership, so it is not a given that Skelos will cede his position. And if he does it is likely the conference will elect a new leader quickly without a public fight.

Some of the potential replacements include Long Island Senator John Flanagan, Western New York Senator Cathy Young and current Chair of the Senate Finance Committee John DeFrancisco. The Senate’s number two, Deputy Majority Leader Tom Libous, is not seen as a likely successor because of his legal troubles—he was indicted for lying to the FBI—and his health—he has been battling cancer for years.

Assemblyman Keith Wright, a Democrat, told City & State on Tuesday he hoped Skelos’ investigation would not disrupt the legislative session and the renewal of the rent regulations set to expire in June along with a handful of other housing related laws. The legislature also has to address several other key issues including the extension of mayoral control of education for New York City before the end of the session, and that doesn't even take into account the legislative priorities of Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the Assembly Democrats which may be derailed by a reeling Senate conference.  

Legislators are expected to return to Albany Monday.