Six Weeks Later, Trial Winds Down for Former NY Politician

After nearly six weeks, the trial of former New York Senator Pedro Espada Jr. is winding down.  WAMC's Dave Lucas reports...

Espada is standing trial in Brooklyn federal court. He's charged with looting around a half million dollars from the nonprofit Soundview Healthcare Network.

Espada founded the network in the 1970s. Prosecutors say he created a sham cleaning company that overcharged the not-for-profit so he could take money whenever he wanted.

Prosecutors say the former senator and his son, Pedro , used Soundview money as personal slush funds. Authorities say they bought everything from pony rides to new cars for their families.

Prosecutors were expected to finish summations Wednesday.

Dave Lucas, WAMC News.

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