Ex-NY politician's corruption trial wrapping up

U.S. District Judge Gary Sharpe instructed jurors late Monday on the eight fraud counts, saying they must determine whether or not Bruno schemed to defraud New Yorkers and misrepresented or concealed his sideline business dealings. Deliberations begin Tuesday.

Prosecutors allege the longtime Senate GOP majority leader — once a top power broker in New York — used his state influence to enrich himself by $3.2 million over 13 years. He solicited union pension fund business for two investment companies and helped three private businessmen with technology and construction businesses who paid him as a consultant.

"Conflicts of interest resulted from a scheme by Senator Bruno to exploit his position for his personal compensation and enrichment," Assistant U.S. Attorney William Pericak said in closing arguments Monday. "He was one of the three most powerful men in New York state. He knew that everyone knew that. They knew he had the power to make things happen in New York."

Pericak argued that Bruno was required to clearly and publicly disclose his business interests and associates, who benefited from positions Bruno took on legislation and grants.

"Probably much of what he did was good," the prosecutor said. But he added that the public has a right to a public official's disinterested decision-making or else full knowledge of his conflicts of interest.