A longtime aide to top Democrats in New York was arrested this weekend after he allegedly sexually assaulted an 18-year-old woman.
Joseph Brady, legislative director for New York state assemblyman Peter Abbate Jr. (D.), allegedly assaulted the young woman at his residence on Saturday after sending her 16-year-old boyfriend to purchase drugs. The FBI and local authorities searched Brady’s home and said they found narcotics and materials they believe could be used to build a bomb.
Brady joined Abbate’s office after working under former New York City Democratic mayor Mike Bloomberg as a legislative staffer. According to the Times Union, which first reported his arrest, Brady works with local union officials to develop and implement labor legislation.
Law enforcement officials said this weekend they added Brady to a watch list last year after suspecting he was involved in the disappearance of a 42-year-old man, whom they now presume was murdered.
The New York Post reported in 2013 that Brady had used a loophole in state law—while working as Abbate’s staffer—to participate in mixed martial arts fighting, despite the state’s prior prohibition on professional brawls. Brady evaded the law, designating himself as an amateur fighter. The staffer is also allegedly involved in a motorcycle gang connected to the Hells Angels.
Brady is being held in a county jail on $50,000 bail.