Legal and Political Fallout
Federal prosecutors dismissed bribery and fraud charges against former NY Lt. Gov. due to the death of key witness Gerald Migdol, who had pleaded guilty to organizing fake campaign contributions for Benjamin.
Benjamin's resignation and arrest in 2022 created a political crisis for Governor Kathy Hochul, who had selected him as her second-in-command after 's resignation.
Judicial and Public Response
The case, which saw charges reinstated after being initially dismissed, ended with prosecutors concluding they could not prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt following Migdol's death.
Benjamin's defense celebrated the outcome as a vindication, referencing 's quote on justice, while the prosecutors declined to comment.