Things were looking grim for a longtime pal of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver after an alleged accomplice copped a plea Wednesday in a long-running scheme to steal more than $7 million from a leading Jewish charity.
Joseph Ross, 58, pleaded guilty to grand larceny, money laundering and tax fraud during a sealed proceeding in Manhattan Supreme Court, according to a spokeswoman for Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.
The AG’s Office and Ross’ lawyer, Ben Brafman, both refused to reveal terms of the plea.
But a guilty plea that’s made behind closed doors is a universal sign that the defendant is cooperating with authorities in a bid for leniency.
Ross, a leader in the Hasidic community and owner of the Century Coverage insurance agency on Long Island, was busted last month for pocketing at least $1 million helping William Rapfogel loot the Metropolitan New York Council on Jewish Poverty.
Rapfogel ran the prominent social-service agency for more than two decades until getting fired in August after state officials confirmed an investigation into the group’s finances.
Authorities say the two men plotted to overcharge the Met Council for insurance from Ross’ company, then split the proceeds from the scam.
Rapfogel is also accused of directing Century Coverage employees to make campaign contributions to various elected officials, including Silver.
Rapfogel and Silver have been friends for decades, and Rapfogel’s wife, Judy, has served as chief of staff to the powerful Manhattan Democrat since the 1970s.
Rapfogel was busted on grand larceny and other charges in September.
His lawyer didn’t immediately return a request for comment.