Dominican-born NY lawmaker fights corruption charge like a “cornered cat”

NEW YORK.- Although his name figures on a list along with seven other elected officials probed on alleged fraud by federal prosecutors in Brooklyn, NY State Sen. Jose Peralta has yet to deny or clarify the reports.

Peralta, who represents Queens 13th district and is fighting back like a "cornered cat," said he’ll continue his race for that borough’s presidency.

He said he’s calm and notes his 8 years of work as a State and community legislator, while local media report that the Dominican-born politico figures on the list of allegedly corrupt city lawmakers.

Peralta, like others on the alleged list, were secretly tape by former State Sen. Shirley Huntley, sentenced Thursday to one year and one day in prison for embezzling US$440,000 from a pension fund.