Espada's Lawyer Continues Closing Arguments At Corruption Trial
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Closing arguments continued Thursday at the Brooklyn corruption trial of former State Senator Pedro Espada Jr.
The one-time State Senate majority leader is accused of stealing from a health clinic he founded.
His lawyer told the jury he did not steal a cent, saying he was entitled to the money.
She said Espada had a daily stipend on top of his salary and was owed hundred of thousands of dollars for unused sick days and vacation time.
Prosecutors say Espada used a company credit account like his own personal charge card, something he denies.
"The government has gone about criminalizing very, very standard business arrangements and you've seen it throughout this whole trial," Espada said. "Others can have a way of living, others can get flowers, others can get Edible Arrangement candies, but when the Espadas do it, it's a crime."
Espada faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.