NY City Councilwoman Accused of Accepting Bribes

Sandy Annabi, a Democrat who recently left office, accepted a series of lucrative gifts designed to curry her favor on the development deals, according to the indictment. Two others — the former head of the local Republican Party and a lawyer — also were indicted.

U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said cash payoffs helped Annabi come up with the downpayments on property she was buying and also paid her mortgage, utility and cable TV bills.

Annabi originally opposed the real estate projects, including a $685 million retail development known as Ridge Hill.

But Bharara said Annabi switched her votes under the influence of more than $166,000 in payments arranged by her co-defendants.

"She betrayed Yonkers residents by selling the most important assets any elected official has: her integrity and her independence," Bharara said.

(...) In addition, Zehy Jereis, the former head of the Yonkers Republican Party, and Westchester County lawyer Anthony Mangone were indicted.