Nephew of Disgraced State Senate Leader Arrested for Grabbing Reporter and Throwing Her Phone
The nephew of former New York State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos was arrested this afternoon after grabbing the wrist of New York Daily News reporter Victoria Bekiempis and tossing her phone into the street. Bekiempis was covering the criminal sentencing of the elder Skelos, who was convicted of federal corruption charges along with his son in December.
Video shot by NBC 13 and published by the Daily News shows Basil Skelos, the nephew, exiting Manhattan Federal Court through a crowded and aggressive press scrum this afternoon. About halfway through the clip, he can be seen grabbing and throwing Bekiempis’s phone as she attempts to ask another man questions.
After the incident, Bekiempis and other reporters tweeted that Skelos would be charged with third-degree assault.
So I'm told the wrist-grabber is going to be charged with assault 3 and brought to the 5th precinct
— Victoria Bekiempis (@vicbekiempis) May 12, 2016
The son of Nick Skelos (Dean's brother) just walked out in cuffs; charged with 3rd degree assault for attack on @vicbekiempis, sez NYPD Sgt
— Nicole Fuller (@nicolefuller) May 12, 2016
Dean Skelos, who was convicted of bribery, extortion, and conspiracy, was sentenced to five years in prison. His nephew is due in court for the assault June 27.
