FLIPPER: Ex-Assemblyman Nelson Castro, who wore a wire for the feds, is escorted into a Bronx court yesterday. He resigned as part of his deal. (Robert Kalfus)
The former Bronx assemblyman who turned government informant after he was busted on perjury charges — leading to a colleague’s bribery arrest — was finally arraigned yesterday on his own four-year-old indictment.
The felony charges against Nelson Castro were unsealed in Bronx Supreme Court and for the first time revealed how the disgraced legislator lied under oath during a 2008 city Board of Elections hearing, when he denied knowing two people helping his campaign that year.
The Democrat Castro, who was led into court wearing handcuffs, resigned his seat Monday as part of a deal with prosecutors — days after his role as an informant was disclosed on the heels of the federal bribery arrest of fellow Bronx Assemblyman Eric Stevenson.
Castro, while wearing a wire for the feds, was recorded receiving bribes from several businessmen looking to open adult daycare centers in The Bronx. Those were allegedly facilitated by onetime Assembly candidate Sigfredo Gonzalez — who then turned informant and allegedly arranged similar bribes for Stevenson to draft competition-crushing legislation on behalf of the businessmen.
Castro, 41, announced last week that in addition to the Stevenson case, he had also cooperated in other investigations of corrupt politicians over two terms in office — a revelation that has rocked the Albany Capitol.
His 2009 perjury case will eventually be dismissed if he continues fully cooperating, as will several other uncharged crimes.
“I would like to apologize to my constituents who put their faith and trust in me for the last four years,” Castro said after being released without bail.
Castro lawyer Michael Farkas later acknowledged his client did commit perjury.
In 2008, the Board of Elections began examining Castro’s eligibility to run as a resident of the 86th district after allegations that numerous voters were registered at the same addresses as his home and that of campaign worker Steve Santana.
During an Aug. 7, 2008, hearing, Castro lied under oath, the Bronx DA’s Office said yesterday.
Castro answered, “No,” when asked if he knew people named Steve Santana and Desdemona Cruz, the indictment said.
Castro also denied knowing Cruz served on a candidate-selection committee.