By Joe Anuta
State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Hollis) said through his lawyer that he plans to stay in office despite federal prosecutors accusing him of orchestrating a massive and far-fetched scheme to bribe his way into the mayor’s office, according to published reports.
“He’s not resigning,” attorney Gerald Shargel told the New York Post.
Smith is charged with bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy along with City Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone) and former Queens County Republican Vice Chairman Vince Tabone in an alleged scheme to bribe county Republican leaders to get Smith on the mayoral ballot.
A spokesman for Halloran declined to comment on the first-term lawmaker’s plans.
Tabone resigned as vice chairman of the Queens Republican Party in the wake of his arrest.
Reach reporter Joe Anuta by e-mail at januta@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
