UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Former Oneida County Legislator William Hendricks holds a slim lead over incumbent Larry Tanoury Jr. for the 25th legislative district seat, with absentee ballots yet to be counted.  However, the numbers are a small part of this ongoing feud.  A letter from the Hendricks campaign, sent to area media outlets, outlines alleged improprieties by Board Chairman Jerry Fiorini, and attempted blackmail of Fiorini by Tanoury Jr.

At his Cornhill home Wednesday night, Hendricks admitted to knowing about the letter, and even approving it, but said he did not deliver the letter. That letter alleges Tanoury sought $35,000 for a non profit organization called "For The Good" in exchange for not exposing the Fiorini improprieties.

When asked about facts supporting his claim, Hendricks said he had a "reliable source" and that Larry Tanoury posted the accusations first on a website.

Wednesday night both Tanoury and Fiorini adamantly denied the accusations. Tanoury said they were "disgusting".

"There is not one legislator up there that will tell you this is true, and you know there are a lot of them up there that don't like me," Tanoury said.  "I have stepped on a lot of toes in two years, but there is not one legislator that won't back me up on this out of 29. Absolutely false. This guy has just pulled something that is the epitome of disgusting, dirty, Utica politics."

Oneida County Board Chairman Jerry Fiorini released a statement late Wednesday.

"I have been informed of Mr. Hendricks' statements and any allegation of impropriety is completely untrue and unsupported by any facts. With regard to any claim regarding blackmail, I  intend to send a copy of Mr. Hendricks' letter to the Oneida County District Attorney for his  review. I will not give any credence or dignity to these statements by making any further  comment." said Fiorini in a release.

As far as the $35,000, Tanoury says there was legislation to give the previously mentioned not for profit $30,000, but the legislation was tabled, meaning the not for profit never received the money

Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara said he is aware of the situation.

"I have not been asked to investigate this by (Larry) Tanoury or (William) Hendricks. The paperwork was forwarded to me by (Jerry) Fiorini." said McNamara.