Federal prosecutors have dropped their case against former Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin, who resigned nearly three years ago amid charges he took bribes and falsified records.
Prosecutors alleged Benjamin helped a Harlem real estate developer's nonprofit secure a $50,000 grant in exchange for illegal campaign contributions. The case had a long, winding road through the courts - with some of the charges tossed out only to be reinstated later on.
But now prosecutors say they're no longer in a position to prove Benjamin's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. They say that's in part because the developer who was supposed to be cooperating witness in their case died last year. Benjamin had pleaded not guilty to the charges.