New York State Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin who has been arrested and charged with bribery and fraud for allegedly directing state funds to a group controlled by a real estate developer who was a campaign donor, leaves a courthouse in New York, U.S., April 12, 2022. REUTERS/Dieu-Nalio Chery

NEW YORK — New York state Governor Kathy Hochul said on Tuesday she had accepted Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin’s resignation, hours after Benjamin was arrested on federal bribery charges.

Benjamin pleaded not guilty to bribery and related criminal charges, after prosecutors said he directed state funds to a group controlled by a real estate developer who was a campaign donor.

Benjamin entered his plea in Manhattan federal court.

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