Cuomo Ally Is Target Of Grand Jury Probe

Steve Brown from WGRZ:

BUFFALO, NY-- 2 On Your Side has learned a special grand jury will meet Monday to consider evidence in a long-running political corruption probe.

The investigation appears to be targeting long-time political power-broker Steve Pigeon.
This all began last May,  when Pigeon's condo and two other homes were searched by authorities.

After months with no new reported developments, it appears the investigation is now  accelerating.
Just this week, news broke that State Supreme Court Judge John Michalek has been questioned by investigators.

The Buffalo News has reported the investigation centers on whether Michalek asked Pigeon for help securing a job for a relative, at the same time a Pigeon associate had a multi-million dollar case pending before the judge.

Cuomo link to Mr. Pigeon:

If Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo seems obsessed with all things Buffalo in the months leading to his re-election campaign, those familiar with the governor point to his rejection by the voters of nine western counties in 2010.

Perhaps that’s why Cuomo is turning to G. Steven Pigeon, one of his oldest – and most controversial – Western New York allies, for fundraising, politics and even policy, according to several sources

The former Erie County Democratic chairman is taking on more assignments from Cuomo and is telling political leaders here of a larger role, according to at least half a dozen highly placed sources with knowledge of the situation.

A total of about 10 people interviewed for this article did not want to be identified, citing Pigeon’s controversial history and the governor’s penchant for keeping such matters within a close circle of advisers. And some say they doubt Pigeon’s claims of closer ties to the governor.

But there may be no more telling sign of a key role for Pigeon than his new and close relationship with former Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, the regional economic-development official from Buffalo who represents the governor in many matters here.

Pigeon and Hoyt personified political enmity during their respective days as party chairman and assemblyman, but observers now say the mere fact that the longtime archfoes are working together for Cuomo’s interests is significant.

Wheeeee!!!!

Four Cuomo associates and/or cronies under investigation by either the feds, the state attorney general or both (Pigeon, Alain Kaloyeros of SUNY Poly and two former aides, Joe Percoco and Todd Howe.)

Doesn't end, does it?