 The case against Gonzalez was delayed because of concurrent investigations of other New York State lawmakers, and he was challenged in the 2008 Democratic primary by Pedro Espada Jr., who had previously been a New York State Senator in an adjoining district.Despite backing from the New York State Democratic party, Gonzalez lost the primary election.On May 7, 2009, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to two counts of mail fraud and two counts of conspiracy.