NY Cuomo: state senate leader looted $14 million

New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo arrives at a news conference for recalled Toyota cars in New York, February 24, 2010.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York state Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada and his family looted more than $14 million from a Bronx not-for-profit organization over five years, the state attorney general said on Tuesday.

Cuomo said his office sued Espada, who represents a Bronx community, and 19 current and former executives of Comprehensive Community Development Corporation, called Soundview.

"The lawsuit alleges Espada diverted Soundview's charitable assets and used the money for himself, his family, his friends and his political organization," according to the attorney general's statement.

Espada founded Soundview to offer health care services to impoverished residents of the South Bronx. The state senator told Albany reporters he would respond to Cuomo's complaint "in the near future."

He added: "There should be no rush to judgment until the facts emerge. I would like to remind everyone, including my fellow elected officials, that just like you I deserve and look forward to the opportunity to address this complaint in the proper forum."

Both Cuomo and Espada are Democrats; their party controls the state senate with a razor-thin margin. Espada took part in a failed coup last year that briefly handed control of the senate to the Republicans. Cuomo is expected to run for governor in November when all state legislators will also stand for election.

Cuomo, in his statement, said: "Siphoning money from a charity would be egregious under any circumstances, but the fact that this was orchestrated by the State Senate Majority Leader makes it especially reprehensible."

Cuomo, in a telephone conference call with reporters, said: "I wouldn't be surprised if there were criminal charges down the road."

Cuomo also said the Bronx senator is also being investigated to see if he meets residency requirements because he has homes in both the Bronx and in Mamaroneck, located in nearby Westchester County.

Soundview helped pay for Espada's Bronx home and for more than 200 meals, which cost $20,000, and that were delivered to the Mamaroneck home, according to the suit.

(Reporting by Joan Gralla; Editing by Padraic Cassidy and Diane Craft)