Prosecutors seek longer sentence for former NY state senator on federal fraud charges

Prosecutors seek longer sentence for ex-NY senator

NEW YORK — Federal prosecutors are seeking a longer sentence for a former New York state senator on federal fraud charges.

They say in court papers that Efrain Gonzalez Jr. lied when he requested to withdraw his guilty plea to charges that he used charity groups to finance his lifestyle with $600,000 in stolen money.

A federal judge in April rejected his request. Gonzalez claimed in an affidavit that he was pressured into entering the guilty plea.

Manhattan federal prosecutors on Wednesday asked for a sentence of 11 to 14 years. The Bronx Democrat had faced seven to nine years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced later this month.

Gonzalez’s lawyer declined comment. In court papers, he asked for a sentence of three years.

Information from: The New York Times, www.nytimes.com