Photo: News 10 ABC
Brian Benjamin has resigned as Lieutenant Governor after pleading not guilty to fraud and bribery related charges.
It's alleged Benjamin used his influence while he was a state Senator to direct a state grant to a non-profit controlled by a real estate developer. That developer later donated money to Benjamin's Senate Campaign Committee and his failed campaign to become New York City Comptroller. Benjamin is also accused of providing false information while he was being vetted to become the state's Lieutenant Governor. Last year, Benjamin was picked to take the job by Governor Hochul.
In a statement, the governor said that she and Benjamin agreed he couldn't continue to serve while the legal process plays out.