Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Corruption Conviction for Brooklyn Assemblywoman
By
Jen Chung
Published Apr 9, 2008
Modified Apr 9, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Apr 9, 2008
Modified Apr 9, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A four-time State Assembly member representing East New York in Brooklyn was convicted of third-degree bribe-receiving and official misconduct yesterday. When a developer was interested in acquiring city land back in 2004 and 2005, Assemblywoman Diane Gordon asked for a home in a Queens gated community, worth $500,000.
When the Brooklyn DA's office discovered evidence of bribe taking, they offered her a deal that would have let her off if she quit. But she ran for reelection, prompting the DA's office to indict Gordon and release a surveillance video of her appearing to take a bribe. The developer, Ranjan Batheja, agreed to cooperate with investigators when he tried to bribe an undercover investigator, and on the video, Gordon said, "We got to do something with this land .. so I can get me a home now." Brooklyn DA Charles Hynes said, "It is especially appalling [that Gordon] did not want her house built in her own assembly district."
Gordon was acquitted of the most serious charge--second-degree bribe-taking--and could face up to ten years in jail, but her lawyer said, "We're going to do our best to see that the sentence is one of probation or less." Assembly Leader Sheldon Silver told the NY Times, "This is an unfortunate situation, and my heart goes out to Ms. Gordon’s family. However, this has been proved to be a breach of the public trust.” She is officially out of the Assembly and her seat in the 40th district will remain vacant until fall--which is when City Councilman Charles Barron's wife may run for it.
Tagged
bribery
brooklyn
corruption
diane gordon
queens
state assembly
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Republican Jeff Van Drew concedes NJ congressional seat in surprise victory for Democrats
Smalltown Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock’s likely victory could mark a historic night for Democrats.
By
Mike Hayes
and
Karen Yi
Published Nov 3, 2026 at 11:24 p.m. ET
NYC voters appear poised to approve outdoor dining, bike lane ballot measures
All five proposed changes to the city charter are leading, including measures to streamline outdoor dining permits and speed up bike and bus lane projects.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
NYC voters appear poised to approve outdoor dining, bike lane ballot measures
All five proposed changes to the city charter are leading, including measures to streamline outdoor dining permits and speed up bike and bus lane projects.
By
Giulia Heyward
Rebecca Bennett flips NJ Republican House seat for Democrats
By
Mike Hayes
and
Karen Yi
Mamdani allies Valdez, Avila Chevalier win House seats for New York
By
Jon Campbell
Kathy Hochul re-elected New York governor, defeats Bruce Blakeman
By
Jon Campbell
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Walter Wuthmann
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .