Rochester lobbyist Robert Scott Gaddy has been arrested by federal authorities on charges of bribery and wire fraud.
The 48-year-old Gaddy was charged in connection with the same federal investigation that led to the arrest of Assemblyman Joe Errigo. Gaddy is a state-registered lobbyist and owner of Excelsior Advocates LLC, which lobbied in Albany on behalf of the Rochester School District and the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority.
U.S. Attorney James Kennedy says Gaddy is charged with bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud. The charges carry a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The program is described by prosecutors as “a large redevelopment project in the City of Rochester.” Kennedy says the FBI identified potential corrupt acts by Gaddy and other public officials, leading to an investigation of the relationship between Gaddy and Assemblyman Errigo.
The FBI arranged for an informant to contact Gaddy about paying a bribe to an assembly member in order to introduce certain legislation.
During an investigation into allegations of fraud and corruption involving a large re-development project in the City of Rochester, the FBI identified potential corrupt acts by Gaddy and various public officials. As a result, special agents began an investigation into the relationship between the defendant and New York State Assemblyman Joseph Errigo.
Working with an individual known to the FBI, special agents arranged for that individual to approach Gaddy in March about paying a bribe to Member A in order to introduce certain legislation. That informant later gave Gaddy $2,500 and Assemblyman Errigo $1,500. Later the informant gave Errigo another $2,000.
Together, the two men took more than $10,000 to introduce the bill.