ALBANY, N.Y. -- “There is nothing more searing than to stand before a judge and hear yourself formally charged with breaching your personal and professional code of conduct,” said Joe Bruno.

Former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno faces up to 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine for each of eight counts of an indictment handed down Friday. Prosecutors say he entered into financial relationships with those pursuing interests before the state legislature and state agencies.

A three year investigation, the feds became convinced he did so for his own enrichment.

“They would not take no for an answer,” Bruno said.

Prosecutors say Bruno collected almost $3.2 million, which he calls consulting fees, from businesses, labor unions and local businessman Jared Abbruzzese, who was named, but not charged. But prosecutors call them gifts from those benefiting from Bruno’s actions in office.

“Bruno failed to report these gifts as he was required to do under state ethic laws,” said Andrew Baxter, acting U.S. Attorney.

“It’s time to get before a court of law where facts not a prosecutors invention of wrongdoing will determine my future,” Bruno aid.

Bruno on the defensive as he accuses prosecutors of turning a blind eye to what he calls unlawful abuse of gubernatorial powers eluding to his nemesis, former governor Eliot Spitzer.

“For over three years, I have been the target of a get Bruno campaign,” Bruno said.

Accurate or not, it seems the feds just got one step closer to getting him.

Prosecutors say there will be a period of time for pre trial hearings and discovery. They don't expect Bruno to be back in court for some time.