By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – There were two significant developments Friday in a Niagara Falls public corruption probe.
Former Mayor Vince Anello was indicted on felony charges for accepting 40-thousand dollars in a series of no-interest loans from a prominent businessman. Earlier, Joseph "Smokin' Joe" Anderson pleaded guilty for his role in making the loans. But Anderson did not admit to receiving any favors from Anello or other city officials.
The loans were made around the time Anello was running for mayor in 2003. A company Anderson was involved in was later awarded a contract by the City Council to develop a strip of land in downtown Niagara Falls.
US Attorney Terrance Flynn said the loans weren't illegal but the fact that he didn't report them was.
Anello will be arraigned on his felony charges on Monday.