Updated 12/27/2011 07:07 PM
State Panel Probes Decision By Espada To Hire Uncle
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A state ethics panel says it believes former Bronx Senator Pedro Espada Jr. broke the law when he hired his uncle for his senate staff.
As a result, the former lawmaker could face a civil penalty or a misdemeanor charge.
The Legislative Ethics Commission says the Bronx Democrat hired Juan Feliciano Jr. as a special assistant in 2009.
It is against state law to hire immediate relatives.
Espada and his son are both facing a federal trial on charges they embezzled public funds from the Soundview Health clinic, which he founded and ran.
In a statement, Espada says the report is false from beginning to end.