State Senator Espada Fights Back

MYFOXNY.COM - "This is a witch hunt by the prince of darkness himself," said New York State Senator Pedro Espada, Jr. about State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

The Democrat who represents the 33rd District is accused of stealing more than $14 million from his not-for-profit, according to a lawsuit filed by Cuomo.

Espada Jr. spoke with Good Day New York's Rosanna Scotto on Friday.

Among the accusations in the lawsuit are claims that Espada used thousands of dollars to pay for sushi, trips and his personal campaign.

Scotto asked Senator Espada about the accusastions. 

"First and foremost, I want to tell the tens of thousands of patients of the Soundview Health Clinic that their doctors and nurses are there. The doors are open. We're open for business," said Espada.

The Soundview Health Clinic in The Bronx- one of several founded by Espada-was raided by state and federal investigators on Wednesday.

"His (Cuomo) office has coordinated all of this... raids on the medical center...all that resides there are records of thousands of patients," said Espada.

Scotto asked Senator Espada to clarify why thousands of dollars were allegedly used to pay for sushi. "Your legacy may be reduced to $20,000 worth of sushi," questioned Scotto.

"He's saying I stole it. We're talking about $9 million that never hit my pocket," said Espada.

The money, according to Espada, was part of his severance package.

"No demands were ever made on that money," answered Espada.

"But you used some of the money from the health care clinic for sushi," said Scotto.

"This is clearly an attempt to demonize me and convict me in the court of public opinion.  How I spend money that I pay taxes on is my business. I went to one coference, to Las Vegas, for a mental health symposium."

Scotto was quick to point out that not only is the State Attorney General investigating Espada Jr., but so is the FBI, IRS and the Southern District of New York.

"His (Cuomo) office has coordinated all of this... raids on the medical center, all that resides there are records of thousands of patients. He creates the drama, calls Fred Dicker (NY Post State Editor) ... and tells him I'm going to raid his offices."

"What I'm going to do is expose who he is. We need to vet this man's character. He can't get in here just because his last name is Cuomo. We're going to fight for my family's good name name and for the institution of Soundview Health Center."

Among the accusations in the lawsuit against Espada, are allegations that people who work in in his senate office were being paid by the health center.

"He sees I'm out here. I'm fighting back.  He defends himself with subpoenas before I ever get them. Cuomo needs to meet me man to man," said Espada. "This is my money. When we deal with this in the Bronx it will be made clear that he is trying to embarass me. This is a person who is trying to demonize me and the African American and Latino people in the community."