NEW YORK, May 13 (UPI) -- State Sen. Guy Velella, one of the New York Legislature's most influential Republicans, is likely headed to prison, the New York Post said Thursday.
Velella, the paper said, is expected to resign his seat Friday, prior to accepting a plea bargain next week that will send him to prison on bribery charges.
"In a stunning fall from power, Velella, a Bronx Republican, will plead guilty to a felony and agree to serve one year in jail, according to several sources, including those who spoke directly with the veteran legislator," the paper said.
Prosecutors alleged that contractors who sought political favors were instructed via intermediaries to hire Velella's Bronx law firm -- for a total of $137,800 -- and donate another $60,000 to Republican state campaign coffers. His trial is scheduled to begin Monday, when he is expected to take the plea that will put him behind bars.
