New York State Lobbyist Pleads Guilty To Theft Of Government Money

CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Robert Scott Gaddy, 50, of Albany, NY, a lobbyist registered with the State of New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to theft of government money. The charge carries carry a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant owns and operates the lobbying firm Excelsior Advocates, LLC. On September 8, 2017, an individual known to the FBI approached Gaddy about paying a bribe to a member of the New York State Assembly (Member A) in order to introduce certain legislation concerning a proposed development project in the Town of Brighton. That legislation would have had the effect of impeding the proposed project and making it more difficult to proceed. On September 26, 2017, the defendant took receipt of cash from the individual, with the understanding that it would be used to bribe Member A and induce Member A to introduce the proposed legislation.    

Subsequently, Gaddy recommended to the individual that rather than having Member A introduce the proposed legislation, another member of the New York State Assembly—Joseph Errigo—would be used to do it.  Gaddy then facilitated the introduction of the individual to Assemblyman Errigo. The defendant was aware that the individual began making bribe payments to Assemblyman Errigo for the purpose of introducing the proposed legislation. Thereafter, Gaddy transmitted the proposed legislation concerning the development project in the Town of Brighton to Assemblyman Errigo.

On February 9, 2018, in connection with facilitating the proposed legislation, Gaddy stated to the individual and Assemblyman Errigo that he (Gaddy) had also “greased the skids” with Member A. In truth and in fact, the defendant did not pay the intended bribe to Member A as represented, but wrongfully converted the money to his own personal benefit.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 11, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Wolford.

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