A federal judge yesterday shot down Pedro Espada Jr.’s last-minute request for a sentencing delay so that he could hire another defense attorney.
The former state Senate majority leader’s sentencing will go on as scheduled on June 14 following his conviction last year on a range of corruption charges.
Espada is facing up to 43 years in prison — in addition to possible forfeiture, fines and restitution that could total more than $2 million.
“Pedro Espada, Jr.’s motion for an extension of time . . . is denied,” Brooklyn federal Judge Frederic Block wrote in his order.
No explanations were given for his request to find new counsel — filed in a letter written by Espada’s current defense attorney, Angel Cruz.
The former pol was convicted by a federal jury of four counts of theft for looting of hundreds of thousands of dollars from a medical charity he operated, which was underwritten almost entirely by taxpayer funds.