Leland Yee charged with selling votes

July 26, 2014

A federal grand jury handed down another racketeering indictment against state Sen. Leland Yee on Friday, this one says he was part of an organized crime operation in which he sold legislative votes and influence for piles of money. [Mercury News]

In 2013, Yee, D-San Francisco, allegedly agreed to take $60,000 in exchange for his and another senator’s vote on a bill dealing with workers’ compensation insurance for pro athletes. Though that money never changed hands, Yee allegedly took money for other votes and actions.

The new count against Yee comes under the 1970’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, which levies harsher penalties for acts as part of an ongoing criminal organization.

In March, Yee was arrest for firearms trafficking and political corruption. Federal prosecutors accused Yee of sidestepping campaign donation rules and engaging in a conspiracy to deal automatic guns and shoulder-launched missiles.

If convicted on all charges, Yee faces a maximum of 65 years in prison.