New York ( CNN ) -- Outgoing New York state Sen. Pedro Espada Jr. and his son , Pedro , were charged Tuesday with embezzling $ 500,000 from a federally funded health care nonprofit , according to a statement from the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York . Federal prosecutors slapped both men with five counts of embezzlement and one count of conspiracy , the statement said . Espada served as president and CEO of the Comprehensive Community Development Corp. -- referred to locally as the Soundview Health Care Network -- which receives more than $ 1 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , it said . The network receives millions of dollars more in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements each year , the statement said . The pair are accused of abusing their senior positions to divert Soundview funds for personal use and for the benefit of family members and friends , the statement said . `` The indictment alleges that funds that could and should have been applied to purchase medical equipment and enhance health care services for an historically under-served population were diverted by the defendants for their personal use and to benefit friends and family members , '' U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch said . `` In these difficult economic times , the charged crimes are all the more reprehensible . '' Defense attorney Susan R. Necheles said the Espadas `` deny any wrongdoing , and we intend to fight the charges in court . '' Soundview Health Care Network includes five health centers that cover the southeast , central and northeast sections of the Bronx , according to its website . The group 's mission `` emphasizes the provision of quality health and social services to individuals regardless of their ability to pay . '' In April , New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said he would sue Espada , the state 's senate majority leader , calling his fellow Democrat 's alleged transgressions `` outrageous . '' `` I have not seen anything on this scale , '' Cuomo said after originally charging him , along with 19 associates , with `` looting '' the nonprofit of more than $ 14 million . `` Thirty years ago , Sen. Espada founded the Soundview Health Care Center , '' Necheles said in a written statement . `` Soundview has provided high quality health care to thousands of families , children and senior citizens in the Bronx . Today is a sad day for Soundview and a sad day for the Espada family . '' If convicted , the men face a maximum sentence of 55 years in prison , as well as a fine of $ 250,000 on each count , according to the U.S. attorney 's office .
Sen. Pedro Espada Jr. and his son are accused of embezzling $ 500,000 . They are accused of abusing their positions with Soundview Health Care Network . Lawyer says the pair deny any wrongdoing .