Convicted Ex-NY State Senate Leader Dean Skelos Seeks New Trial

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Ex-New York state Senate majority leader Dean Skelos and his son are seeking a new trial six weeks after they were convicted of federal corruption charges.

They were found guilty of eight counts of bribery, extortion and conspiracy on Dec. 11.

The once-powerful Republican from Long Island was accused of using his office to extort about $300,000 in salary and other benefits for his son, Adam. Prosecutors also alleged Skelos accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars from developers in exchange for political favors.

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Their lawyers filed a motion Monday in Manhattan federal court seeking acquittal on all the counts and a new trial, arguing the trial evidence failed to prove the crimes beyond a reasonable doubt.

The presiding trial judge denied the lawyers' motion for acquittal after the trial ended but before the verdict was announced.

The Skeloses' sentencing is set for March 3.

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