Federal prosecutors say the Camden County Democrat was appointed to a $35,000-a-year post at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in exchange for steering millions of dollars its way when he was chairman of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Bryant is charged along with R. Michael Gallagher, former dean of the state's School of Osteopathic Medicine. In his first few months in the position, Bryant obtained an additional $2.3 million for the school.
"The job was a sham. It was a low-show job," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Drew.
Bryant's attorneys say his dealings with the school were no different from the way many New Jersey politicians operate. They argue that other legislators hold multiple jobs that sometimes benefit their private law practices.
Attorneys expect continued questioning Tuesday of Robert Prodoehl, Gallagher's chief of staff.
