Brian Benjamin, New York lieutenant governor, indicted in campaign finance scheme

Washington — New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin was indicted on federal charges for his alleged role in a campaign finance fraud scheme on Tuesday, with prosecutors saying he sought to use his authority as a state lawmaker to steer a state-funded grant to a nonprofit organization in exchange for campaign contributions to his failed campaign for New York City comptroller.

The indictment unsealed in federal court in Manhattan details the scheme Benjamin allegedly engaged in with a real estate developer who controlled the nonprofit while he was a member of the New York state senate. Benjamin faces five counts, including bribery, wire fraud and falsification of records.

Federal prosecutors are set to announce the charges in a press conference at noon. The New York Times reported Benjamin has already surrendered to authorities and is expected to appear in court in Manhattan later Tuesday.