Dean Skelos, the state Senate majority leader accused of bribery and extortion by Southern District U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, is taking a leave of absence from his longtime law firm, Ruskin Moscou Faltischek.

“Senator Skelos is currently on a leave of absence from the firm. Dean has been a tireless advocate for Long Island and a valued and trusted colleague for over 20 years,” the firm said through spokeswoman Katherine Heaviside. She declined to say whether the leave was unpaid or if the firm asked him to take leave.

Skelos had been of counsel with the Uniondale-based firm.