Bribery Charge Brings Indictment In Schenectady County Courtbribery Charge Brings Indictment In Schenectady County Court

Attorney General Spitzer today announced the indictment of a Schenectady County resident resulting from alleged interference with a Grand Jury’s continuing investigation into the actions and activities of the Capital District Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation (OTB).

"The witnesses testifying before a Grand Jury provide the information upon which decisions central to our criminal justice system are based," said Spitzer. "Efforts to influence testimony improperly, clearly corrupt pursuit of the truth. Such violations can not be tolerated; and will be prosecuted."

A sealed Grand Jury indictment was opened today in Schenectady County Supreme Court alleging that Mark Etkin, 32, of Niskayuna, offered to bribe a witness and influence testimony before a Schenectady County Grand Jury.

The charges are based upon conversations which occurred in May 1998 between Etkin and an individual subpoenaed to testify before the Grand Jury. In these conversations, Mark Etkin offered the witness $2,100 to influence the witness’s testimony before the Grand Jury.

The indictment formally charges Etkin, the son of former OTB Chairman Davis Etkin, with one count of violating Penal Law, Section 215 (a), Bribing a Witness, a class D felony punishable by up to 7 years in State prison.

Mr. Etkin was arrested Tuesday, and arraigned today before Acting Supreme Court Justice Barry Kramer. Judge Kramer set bail at $10,000 cash or bond.

The indictment is being prosecuted by Criminal Prosecutions Bureau of the Office of the Attorney General as part of a multi-phase investigation. The matter is being jointly handled by Assistant Attorneys General Richard Ernst and Karl Sleight.

The charges of the indictment are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.