Guy Velella

Who was Guy Velella?

Guy John Velella was a Republican New York State Senator from The Bronx.

A political leader, state assemblyman, and state senator for over 30 years, Velella was indicted in 2002 with 25 counts of bribery and conspiracy for allegedly accepting at least $137,000 in exchange for steering public-works contracts to the paying parties. He ultimately pleaded guilty to one count in exchange for a year in jail. As part of the plea agreement reached with the Manhattan District Attorney, Velella resigned his seat in the State Senate and his position as chairman of the Bronx County Republican Party and also gave up his law license. Velella served a total of six months of his sentence at Rikers Island.