Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has a message for disgraced ex-Assemblyman Vito Lopez: I don’t want you bringing me down, either!
Silver’s lawyer Bettina Plevan wrote Manhattan federal Judge Analisa Torres Wednesday saying Silver “consents” to the ex-Brooklyn political boss’ request that the former political allies have separate trials in a pending sexual harassment lawsuit against them.
Lopez filed legal papers last week seeking a separate trial from Silver over a lawsuit by two women accusing Lopez of sexual harassment and Silver of turning a blind eye to Lopez’s alleged perverted behavior.
“The allegations against Silver will severely prejudice Lopez, denying him a fair discovery process and a fair trial,” lawyer Lopez’s lawyer Lyle Zuckerman wrote Torres on July 2.
“The inquiry into the allegations that Silver turned a blind eye to many instances of sexual misconduct in the Assembly will necessarily include a parade of plaintiffs’ witnesses telling their stories of violation, and even more defense witnesses responding to those claims (potentially including an alleged rapist and convicted sex offender).
“None of this is relevant to the allegations against Lopez, but all of it is highly prejudicial.”
Plevan did not specify why Silver believes it’s in his best interest not to be tied to the hip with Lopez in this case.
Zuckerman had asked Torres to schedule a conference to discuss the request. Plevan said that if Torres opts to have Lopez file a formal motion seeking separate trials, Silver wishes file one also.