Some Putnam County residents say they feel betrayed after learning that Republican state Sen. Vincent Leibell, the man they just elected to be their next county executive, will plead guilty to federal corruption charges.
Leibell's supporters say they are shocked by the allegations of corruption. However, those who didn't vote for Leibell in November say the news doesn't surprise them.
"It seems like in politics nowadays, you find more and more people who are not exactly innocent of a lot of things," says Megan Weber, of Carmel.
The details of what Leibell is accused of doing aren't clear yet since the indictment hasn't been unsealed. However, Leibell has already given his notice at the Putnam County Office Building to say he will not be taking the job of county executive.
Vincent Tamagna , the chairman of the Putnam County Legislature, says the board will now have to decide who will take the office come Jan. 1.
"Certainly, it's a shock and we need to look forward to a better day," he says.
Whoever is chosen to replace Leibell will serve as county executive until November of 2011, when a new election will be held.