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The Politics of Corruption on Long Island

Criminal cases against 10 politicians and public officials

Over the past few years, prosecutors have charged Long Island politicians and public officials with crimes ranging from tax evasion to bribery. Some of these cases resulted in convictions, while others are ongoing. Follow Newsday’s latest coverage on the most prominent cases here.

(Last updated: Sept. 18, 2020)

The County Executive

Edward Mangano

Convicted of: Conspiracy to commit federal program bribery; federal program bribery; conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud; honest services wire fraud; conspiracy to obstruct justice

Edward Mangano, Nassau’s county executive, was indicted in October 2016 and accused by federal prosecutors of receiving “bribes and kickbacks” from businessman Harendra Singh, who has pleaded guilty to providing them. Mangano’s wife, Linda, was charged with obstruction of justice, conspiracy to obstruct justice and making false statements involving “work she claimed to have performed” in an alleged no-show job from Singh, according to the indictment and prosecutors. Both Manganos pleaded not guilty. A judge declared a mistrial in May 2018 in both their cases. Their retrials began in January. Federal prosecutors filed a new indictment against the Manganos in August 2018, adding details of statements to investigators by Linda that prosecutors allege are lies. The Manganos pleaded not guilty to the indictment at an arraignment. On March 8, Edward Mangano was convicted of several charges, including federal program bribery and honest services wire fraud. Both he and Linda Mangano were also convicted of conspiracy to obstruct justice. He was acquitted of another honest services wire fraud charge and an extortion charge. Linda was found guilty of obstruction of justice, conspiracy to obstruct justice and two counts of making false statements. She was acquitted of another count of making false statements.

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The District Attorney

Thomas Spota

Convicted of: Conspiracy, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and acting as accessories to the deprivation of the civil rights of Christopher Loeb, a suspect in the break-in of Suffolk Police Chief James Burke’s department SUV.

Thomas Spota, the Suffolk County district attorney, was indicted in October 2017 on federal charges that he was involved in a cover-up of ex-Suffolk Police Chief James Burke’s 2012 assault of a suspect. U.S. attorneys said Spota, along with longtime aide Christopher McPartland, intimidated and pressured witnesses not to cooperate with federal investigators in order to protect Burke. Spota pleaded not guilty to the charges. A day after his plea, he announced he would leave the office he has held since 2002. His last day in office was Nov. 10, 2017. Spota and McPartland’s trial began on Nov. 12, 2019. Spota and McPartland were convicted on all counts on Dec. 17, 2019. On Aug. 10, 2021, Spota was sentenced to five years in prison. McPartland was also sentenced to five years.

The Town Supervisor

John Venditto

Convicted of: Felony corrupt use of position or authority, misdemeanor official misconduct

John Venditto, Oyster Bay supervisor, was indicted on federal corruption charges in October 2016, and charges involving allegations of security fraud were added in November 2017. Venditto pleaded not guilty and resigned in January 2017. His trial started on March 12, 2018. He was acquitted of all federal charges on May 24, 2019. In June 2017, the Nassau DA indicted Venditto, who prosecutors said was involved in a real-estate deal and orchestrating a hiring. Venditto pleaded not guilty. On July 26, 2019, he pleaded guilty to state corruption charges in a deal that spared him any jail time. Venditto died from cancer on March 17, 2020, his family said.

The Councilman

Edward Ambrosino

Charges: Wire fraud; tax evasion; making and subscribing false corporate tax returns; failure to file return

Edward Ambrosino, a Hempstead Town Board councilman, was indicted in April 2017 and accused of failing to pay more than $250,000 in federal taxes on income, much of which federal prosecutors said came from jobs performed for Nassau County. Prosecutors said Ambrosino, a lawyer, siphoned off money for two years to a company he incorporated and underreported his earnings. In the week following Ambrosino’s arrest, the county Industrial Development Agency and Local Economic Assistance Corp. dropped him as one of their attorneys. He initially pleaded not guilty, but in April 2019 he pleaded guilty to a single count of tax evasion on his personal federal income tax as part of a plea deal. He also submitted his resignation from his post as councilman, effective April 5. He was sentenced to six months in federal prison on Nov. 15. He began serving his sentence Sept. 15, 2020.

The Police Chief

James Burke

Convicted of: Deprivation of civil rights; conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice

James Burke, the Suffolk County Police Department’s former top uniformed officer, was indicted in December 2015 and charged by federal prosecutors with orchestrating an elaborate scheme to conceal his own crime. Burke, who was named Suffolk police chief in 2012, beat a handcuffed prisoner who had been charged with stealing a duffel bag from Burke’s police-issued vehicle, officials said. Burke pleaded guilty in February 2016 to conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice and violating the victim’s civil rights and was sentenced in November 2016 to 46 months in prison. Burke was released from prison to a halfway house in November 2018.

The State Senator

Dean Skelos

Charges: Conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right; conspiracy to commit honest services fraud; extortion under color of official right; solicitation of bribes and gratuities

Dean Skelos, former Republican State Senate majority leader, was first convicted in December 2015 of using his power to help his son, Adam, get jobs and payments from businesses. Federal prosecutors said the senator pressured three companies to give jobs, fees and benefits worth $300,000 to Adam, doing favors in Albany for the companies in return. He also intervened with Nassau County to help one of them on a contract, prosecutors said. His son was indicted on the same charges. In May 2016, Skelos was sentenced to 5 years, and his son was sentenced to 6½. In September 2017, an appeals court overturned the convictions. They were retried in the summer of 2018, and a federal jury convicted them on eight counts of conspiracy, extortion and bribery. In October 2018, a judge sentenced Dean Skelos to four years, three months in prison, while Adam was sentenced to four years. Dean Skelos reported to prison on Jan. 8, 2019, rather than seeking bail pending his appeal. He was released to home confinement on April 28 after testing positive for the coronavirus.

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The Conservative party leader

Edward Walsh

Convicted of: Converts to own use property of another; fraud by wire, radio or television

Edward Walsh, then a lieutenant in the county sheriff’s office, golfed, gambled and politicked on the county’s dime, federal prosecutors said, while at the helm of Suffolk County’s Conservative Party. Walsh pleaded not guilty in March 2015 but was convicted in March 2016 for illegally collecting more than $200,000 in pay and overtime pay he didn’t earn. His conviction sparked a battle over leadership within the party he once led. In June 2017, Walsh was sentenced to 2 years in prison and was ordered to make $245,811.21 in restitution and forfeit an additional $245,811.21.

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The Town Commissioner

Frederick Ippolito

Federal charges: Attempt to evade or defeat tax

State charges: Money laundering; defrauding the government; official misconduct; bribe receiving; receiving reward for official misconduct; theft of services.

Frederick Ippolito, an Oyster Bay town official, pleaded guilty in January 2016 to a federal tax evasion charge in connection with $2 million in outside consulting fees he received while working as the town’s planning and development commissioner. He resigned two days after his plea. He was sentenced in September 2016 to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay $550,000 in restitution. Ippolito died in prison in June 2017. On Dec. 12, 2017, a federal appellate court vacated the conviction because he died while appealing his conviction. In June 2017, Ippolito was charged by Nassau County prosecutors; a judge ended that case in September 2017.

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The Town Democratic leader

Gerard Terry

Convicted of: Felony tax fraud (state), tax evasion (federal)

Charges: Tax fraud (state); tax evasion (federal)

Gerard Terry, the former North Hempstead Democratic Party leader, was charged in April and August 2016 with tax fraud after Nassau prosecutors said he compiled more than $1.4 million in tax debts while receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in government work. He also was charged federally in February 2017 and pleaded not guilty. He resigned or was terminated from multiple public positions. In September 2017, Terry pleaded guilty in Nassau County to fourth-degree felony tax fraud. Terry pleaded guilty in October 2017 in federal court to tax evasion. He was sentenced on May 29, 2018, to serve three years in prison on the federal charges. On June 4, 2018, he was sentenced to 6 months in the state case. Terry was released from prison to home confinement on April 29 as part of efforts to decrease the population of the federal prison system to try to stop the spread of the coronavirus, sources said.

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The District Attorney’s Aide

Christopher McPartland

Convicted of: Conspiracy, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and acting as accessories to the deprivation of the civil rights of Christopher Loeb, a suspect in the break-in of Suffolk Police Chief James Burke’s department SUV

Christopher McPartland, one of Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota’s chief aides, who ran the office’s political corruption unit, was indicted along with Spota in October 2017 on federal charges related to allegations the two were involved in a cover-up of ex-Suffolk Police Chief James Burke’s assault of a suspect. McPartland pleaded not guilty to the charges. McPartland was fired by incoming District Attorney Timothy Sini and left the DA’s office as of Dec. 31, 2017, according to spokesman Justin Meyers. Spota and McPartland’s trial began on Nov. 12, 2019. Spota and McPartland were convicted on all counts on Dec. 17, 2019. On Aug. 10, 2021, McPartland was sentenced to five years in prison. Spota was also sentenced to five years.

Producer: Heather Doyle

Designer: James Stewart

Photo credits: James Carbone, Charles Eckert, Ed Betz and Howard Schnapp

The Politics of Corruption: John Venditto

Ex-Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto

John Venditto

Convicted of: Felony corrupt use of position or authority, misdemeanor official misconduct

John Venditto, Oyster Bay supervisor, was indicted on federal corruption charges in October 2016, and charges involving allegations of security fraud were added in November 2017. Venditto pleaded not guilty and resigned in January 2017. His trial started on March 12, 2018. He was acquitted of all federal charges on May 24, 2019. In June 2017, the Nassau DA indicted Venditto, who prosecutors said was involved in a real-estate deal and orchestrating a hiring. Venditto pleaded not guilty. On July 26, 2019, he pleaded guilty to state corruption charges in a deal that spared him any jail time. Venditto died from cancer on March 17, 2020, his family said.

The latest on the Venditto case

March 17, 2020: John Venditto, former Oyster Bay Supervisor, has died at 70 Sept. 11, 2019: Testimony: Ex-fiancee of commissioner wore wire Aug. 10, 2019: Editorial: Patronage breeds corruption July 30, 2019: Saladino won’t say if Oyster Bay will sue Venditto July 27, 2019: Brown: The fall of John Venditto July 26, 2019: John Venditto pleads guilty to corruption charges July 25, 2019: Sources: Venditto to plead guilty to corruption charges Feb. 6, 2019: Singh during Mangano trial: Town of Oyster Bay never said no to me Sept. 28, 2018: Judge refuses to toss Venditto corruption charges June 27, 2018: Oyster Bay town board won’t pay Venditto’s legal fees in civil case June 23, 2018: John Venditto wants Oyster Bay to pay upcoming legal bills June 12, 2018: Venditto asks judge to dismiss state corruption charges against him May 24, 2018: Editorial: Respect for the solemn duty of a jury of one’s peers May 24, 2018: Venditto not guilty on all charges; jury still deliberating on Manganos May 23, 2018: Power on trial: A video show, and a lawyer returns May 23, 2018: Jurors in corruption trial ask to see footage of Mangano’s front door May 23, 2018: Power on trial: Who’s who in the Mangano-Venditto trial May 22, 2018: Jurors in Mangano-Venditto trial say they need ‘further instruction’ May 22, 2018: Power on Trial: When jurors disagree May 21, 2018: Power on Trial: Jury begins second day of deliberations May 21, 2018: Jurors in Mangano-Venditto case say they can’t ‘agree on certain items’ May 21, 2018: Jurors in political corruption case deliberate for second day May 19, 2018: Power on trial: The waiting game May 18, 2018: Jurors reach no verdict on 1st day of Mangano-Venditto deliberations May 17, 2018: At last — the jury deliberates in the Mangano-Venditto case May 17, 2018: Jurors in Mangano-Venditto corruption case to begin deliberations May 17, 2018: Power on trial: All eyes on the jury May 16, 2018: Power on Trial: Defense lawyers go after Singh May 16, 2018: Defense attorneys attack Singh’s credibility at corruption trial May 15, 2018: Power on Trial: Closing arguments May 15, 2018: Feds: Mangano and Venditto ‘traded their office’ for money May 14, 2018: Power on Trial: ‘Time flies’ May 14, 2018: Judge refuses to dismiss Mangano-Venditto indictments May 13, 2018: Feds could wrap case Monday in Mangano trial May 11, 2018: Power on Trial: Financial footprints May 11, 2018: Judge rejects Venditto’s mistrial request, papers show May 10, 2018: Power on Trial: Two witnesses, two similar stories May 10, 2018: Contractor: I gave Mangano cash to help with problems May 9, 2018: Power on Trial: Analyst finds trouble in Oyster Bay May 9, 2018: Analyst: Town withheld info on Singh’s loans May 8, 2018: Power on Trial: How much evidence is enough? May 8, 2018: Financial advisers say they didn’t know about Singh loans May 7, 2018: Power on Trial: Some unexpected news May 7, 2018: Auditor: Town masked $22 million deficit May 5, 2018: Corruption trial: The tale of 329 Broadway May 3, 2018: Power on Trial: The signs of lying May 3, 2018: FBI agent: Linda Mangano cried when subpoenaed May 2, 2018: Power on Trial: Of bribes and town salaries May 2, 2018: Genova testified he initially lied to prosecutors May 1, 2018: Power on Trial: ‘Keys to the county’ May 1, 2018: Witness: Singh’s problems were at the top of the pile April 30, 2018: Power on Trial: Genova describes how things work April 30, 2018: Venditto approved all of Singh’s contracts, Genova says April 28, 2018: Nassau corruption trial: What’s the standard for guilt? April 26, 2018: Power on Trial: Witnesses discuss Linda Mangano April 26, 2018: Company was ready to provide Sandy meals, owner testifies April 25, 2018: Power on Trial: Brief blackout, a light moment April 25, 2018: Singh manager: Never saw Linda Mangano at eatery April 24, 2018: Power on Trial: Oyster Bay backed Singh, witness says April 24, 2018: Witness: Mangano was behind no-bid Sandy contract April 23, 2018: Power on Trial: Coliseum financing discussed April 23, 2018: Former Nassau employees to testify in Mangano-Venditto trial April 21, 2018: Nassau corruption trial: Finding an end-around on loan guarantees April 20, 2018: Power on Trial: Sinnreich faces off with Mangano’s defense attorney April 20, 2018: Outside counsel testifies he cautioned Oyster Bay on ‘bogus’ proposal April 20, 2018: Outside counsel testifies he cautioned Oyster Bay on ‘bogus’ proposal April 19, 2018: Witness testifies Mangano told others on Singh deal ‘Let’s get this thing done’ April 18, 2018: Power on Trial: Mangano urged Singh deal to be done, witness says April 17, 2018: Venditto, Genova viewed FBI probe as ‘rite of passage,’ Mei testifies April 17, 2018: Power on Trial: Mei says he feared for his job, pension April 17, 2018: Marshall: Tracing that ‘Oyster Bay way’ April 16, 2018: Frederick Mei testifies about ‘the Oyster Bay way’ April 16, 2018: Power on Trial: How the system works, according to Mei April 14, 2018: Nassau corruption trial: Wrangling over town loan guarantees April 14, 2018: Power on Trial: Seeking a solution for Singh’s financing April 11, 2018: Power on Trial: Lawyer has no ‘independent recollection’ April 11, 2018: VIPs ate for free at Singh’s venues, Mangano witness trial says April 10, 2018: Witness: Town ‘would be on the hook’ if Singh defaulted April 9, 2018: Power on Trial: New witnesses for the prosecution testify April , 2018: April 9, 2018: Montesano testifies he was pressured to hire Linda Mangano April 7, 2018: Nassau corruption trial: Parsing the meaning of truth and love April 7, 2018: April 5, 2018: Power on Trial: Mr. Singh, ‘you’re excused’ April 5, 2018: Harendra Singh ends testimony in Mangano’s trial April 4, 2018: Power on Trial: Just answer yes or no, Mr. Singh April 4, 2018: Singh: Oyster Bay ‘was willing to do whatever I wanted’ April 3, 2018: Power on Trial: Linda Mangano did some work April 3, 2018: Singh: I was unaware of Linda Mangano’s workload April 2, 2018: Power on Trial: Carman begins quizzing Singh April 2, 2018: Singh testifies he was ‘in denial’ at Mangano’s trial March 31, 2018: Power on Trial: Scenes from the Mangano trial March 31, 2018: Mangano defense attacks Singh March 29, 2018: Power on Trial: Mei wears a wire to talk to Singh March 29, 2018: Singh FBI wire: Ed Mangano did ‘nothing, nothing’ for me March 28, 2018: Singh: Edward Mangano paid for some of his own meals March 28, 2018: Power on Trial: Singh’s 7th day on the witness stand March 28, 2018: Ciolli: Did Mondello get discount on daughter’s wedding? March 27, 2018: Power on Trial: Scenes from an Italian restaurant March 27, 2018: Linda Mangano asked Singh not to bring gifts to parties, texts show March 26, 2018: Power on Trial: The defense attacks Singh’s credibility March 26, 2018: Singh details perks at Mangano’s corruption trial March 24, 2018: Power on Trial: A glimpse into a political rite of passage March 24, 2018: Singh, in his testimony, describes lavishing gifts on officials March 26, 2018: Harendra Singh to be cross-examined this week at Mangano trial March 24, 2018: Power on Trial: A glimpse into a political rite of passage March 24, 2018: Singh, in his testimony, describes lavishing gifts on officials March 22, 2018: Power on Trial: Singh, in testimony, drops a lot of names March 22, 2018: Singh testifies he gave Venditto, family countless free luxury rides March 22, 2018: Power on Trial: Singh, in testimony, drops a lot of names March 20, 2018: Singh: Mangano, VIPs got ‘special food’ for superstorm Sandy March 20, 2018: Power on Trial: Singh tells how he got a bread contract March 19, 2018: Power on Trial: Singh talks patronage, building an empire March 19, 2018: Singh testifies he hired Linda Mangano but expected no work from her March 19, 2018: Harendra Singh resumes testimony Monday in Edward Mangano trial March 17, 2018: Singh learned how to make friends in Nassau politics March 17, 2018: Power on Trial: The world according to Singh March 16, 2018: Mangano, Venditto “circumvented” permit process, prosecutors allege March 16, 2018: Editorial: Don’t confuse political corruption with friendship March 15, 2018: Power on Trial: Harendra Singh takes the witness stand March 15, 2018: In Mangano, Singh said he saw a ‘connection’ to help his business March 14, 2018: Singh laundered money for Mangano, prosecutors allege March 14, 2018: Feds say Mangano ‘sold himself’; defense attacks Singh’s credibility March 14, 2018: Power on Trial: Low-show jobs and witness credibility March 13, 2018: Singh to play major role in trial of Manganos, Venditto March 12, 2018: Jury seated for Mangano-Venditto corruption trial March 12, 2018: Mangano-Venditto corruption trial begins today March 8, 2018: Mangano-Venditto corruption trial begins today March 5, 2018: Brown: Oyster Bay on the sidelines March 5, 2018: Papers: Mangano, Venditto trial witness gets immunity to testify March 3, 2018: Editorial: Break up Long Island’s political game March 2, 2018: Ex-Oyster Bay Town attorney settles securities fraud case Feb. 28, 2018: Judge bars decisions on de Blasio probe from corruption case Feb. 26, 2018: Brown: Corruption fight needs more than a gift ban Feb. 26, 2018: Laura Curran orders no-gift policy for employees involved in contracting Feb. 24, 2018: Court filing alleges Singh dealings with NYC mayor Feb. 22, 2018: Editorial: Details still to come in latest Nassau County corruption case Feb. 19, 2018: Records: Figure in Mangano-Venditto case wore wire Feb. 16, 2018: Oyster Bay opposes release of documents in Mangano case Feb. 10, 2018: Harendra Singh repeatedly sought City Hall’s help, documents show Feb. 9, 2018: Judge in Mangano, Venditto corruption case rejects all defense motions Feb. 7, 2018: Mangano, Venditto schemed at meeting to guarantee loans, feds allege Feb. 8, 2018: Opinion: Stop the decline of the Nassau GOP Feb. 7, 2018: Judge sets jury selection date for Mangano-Venditto corruption trial Feb. 3, 2018: Brown: In Nassau corruption cases, the witness list begins to take shape Jan. 27, 2018: Democrat-connected law firm involved in Oyster Bay deals Jan. 24, 2018: Filler: Secret plea’s odd surprise about Mangano, Venditto Jan. 24, 2018: Harendra Singh admits bribing Mangano, Venditto Jan. 24, 2018: Singh bribery case also involves unnamed NYC official Jan. 24, 2018: Timeline of Harendra Singh’s ties to Mangano, Venditto Jan. 24, 2018: Singh admits bribing Mangano, Venditto, NYC official Jan. 17, 2018: Feds turn over documents, materials in Mangano-Venditto case Jan. 14, 2018: Lawyers for Manganos and Venditto file flurry of pretrial motions Jan. 13, 2018: In FBI notes, a glimpse of friendship at heart of Mangano case Dec. 16, 2017: Legal papers show Oyster Bay strategy for Singh loan guarantees Dec. 5, 2017: Judge delays Edward Mangano, John Venditto trial for two months Nov. 30, 2017: John Venditto seeks delay in trial on kickback allegations Nov. 28, 2017: Oyster Bay Town seeks buyer for property in alleged bribery scheme Nov. 22, 2017: Brown: Unusual resolution at center of new charges against John Venditto Nov. 21, 2017: John Venditto indicted on charges involving securities fraud Nov. 21, 2017: John Venditto, ex-Oyster Bay town supervisor, charged by SEC Nov. 15, 2017: Scheme to help restaurateur began when Mangano took office, court filing says Nov. 15, 2017: Oyster Bay legal bills related to Singh cases top $3.3M Oct. 21, 2017: Brown: Nepotism in Nassau are the family ties that bind Oct. 17, 2017: Keep a spotlight on nepotism in Long Island government Oct. 14, 2017: Over 100 Nassau politicians also have family in government Sept. 27, 2017: Judge abates corruption charges against the late Fred Ippolito Sept. 27, 2017: Brown: Will Skelos’ overturned conviction affect Mangano, Venditto? Sept. 5, 2017: Venditto court papers seek dismissal of corruption charges Sept. 2, 2017: Oyster Bay ex-commissioner still influenced town, affidavit says Aug. 25, 2017: Mangano files motion seeking to dismiss federal corruption charges Aug. 3, 2017: Oyster Bay Dems: 11.5% tax levy increase pays for ‘corruption’ July 26, 2017: Nassau DA fires investigator for alleged corruption probe interference, sources say July 22, 2017: Brown: Nassau has reform fever in election year July 15, 2017: Brown: Oyster Bay proposes reform after reform June 29, 2017: Oyster Bay corruption indictments add to federal tax case June 29, 2017: Ex-Oyster Bay supervisor, others surrender at DA’s office June 28, 2017: Sources: Oyster Bay officials to be arraigned June 28, 2017: Filler: How Saladino can shed party’s legacy June 27, 2017: Sources: Several indicted in Oyster Bay corruption probe June 19, 2017: Town agrees to work with probe in order to borrow $50M June 19, 2017: Town agrees to work with probe in order to borrow $50M June 1, 2017: Judge rules in Harendra Singh $6 million loan guarantee suit May 27, 2017: Brown: Saladino promises transparency but doesn’t answer question May 8, 2017: Stampede of elected officials running toward reform April 6, 2017: Oyster Bay Town OKs $1M in concession rental contracts April 1, 2017: Brown: Investigations of LI public officials underway March 12, 2017: Oyster Bay supervisor wants to review town board liaison system March 11, 2017: Marc Herman likely Dem choice to run for Oyster Bay supervisor, chairman says March 7, 2017: Dems likely to pick attorney Laura Gillen as Hempstead supervisor candidate March 6, 2017: Brown: The horse often escapes the ethics barn on LI Feb. 28, 2017: New five-member ethics board named in Oyster Bay Feb. 22, 2017: Nassau DA wiretapped 3 former Oyster Bay officials, sources say Feb. 12, 2017: Indicted concessionaire owes Oyster Bay nearly $300,000 Feb. 10, 2017: Nassau grand jury probing Oyster Bay corruption, sources say Feb. 8, 2017: Venditto, Mangano corruption trial date set for 2018 Feb. 7, 2017: Oyster Bay changes borrowing procedures to comply with laws Jan. 31, 2017: Assemb. Joseph Saladino replaces John Venditto as Oyster Bay town supervisor Jan. 17, 2017: John Venditto campaign got $20,000 in contributions after arrest, records show Jan. 16, 2017: Letter: Keep supervisor’s name off town signs Jan. 14, 2017: Federal bribery trial for Harendra Singh indefinitely delayed Jan. 4, 2017: John Venditto: Another powerful supervisor in disgrace Jan. 4, 2017: Indicted Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto to resign Nov. 29, 2016: Oyster Bay supervisor John Venditto presides over meeting, with no news of future Nov. 15, 2016: Oyster Bay’s Venditto will decide in days whether to step down Nov. 13, 2016: Joseph Mondello talks about Nassau corruption cases Nov. 12, 2016: Nassau County sought OK of contract for Harendra Singh’s wife Nov. 12, 2016: Venditto scandal impacts State Senate race Oct. 20, 2016: Edward Mangano and John Venditto should resign Oct. 24, 2016: Lawyer: Federal charges vs. Venditto will not impact town lawsuits Oct. 23, 2016: Oyster Bay has no deputy supervisor in place if need arises Oct. 20, 2016: GOP candidates urge Mangano, Venditto to immediately resign Oct. 20, 2016: Mangano, Venditto arrested on corruption charges, Feds say Sept. 28, 2016: Federal judge reveals what Oyster Bay officials haven’t Sept. 1, 2016: Venditto says Oyster Bay to turn over documents sought by feds
Other LI officials charged with abuse of power

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The Politics of Corruption: James Burke

Ex-Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke

James Burke

Convicted of: Deprivation of civil rights; conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice

James Burke, the Suffolk County Police Department’s former top uniformed officer, was indicted in December 2015 and charged by federal prosecutors with orchestrating an elaborate scheme to conceal his own crime. Burke, who was named Suffolk police chief in 2012, beat a handcuffed prisoner who had been charged with stealing a duffel bag from Burke’s police-issued vehicle, officials said. Burke pleaded guilty in February 2016 to conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice and violating the victim’s civil rights and was sentenced in November 2016 to 46 months in prison. Burke was released from prison to a halfway house in November 2018.

The latest on the Burke case

March 9, 2020: Suffolk sues Spota, McPartland and Burke for back pay and benefits July 17, 2019: Discord over law firm to recoup funds from Burke April 10, 2019: Records: Burke finishing prison sentence Thursday March 21, 2019: Unsealed court letter reveals details of investigation into Spota March 11, 2019: Bellone signs bill to recoup Burke pay; targets Spota March 8, 2019: Court rejects bid by James Burke to vacate 2016 corruption conviction March 5, 2019: Suffolk lawmakers vote to sue to recoup Burke salary Feb. 13, 2019: Vote delayed on bill to recoup Burke salary Feb. 7, 2019: Panel passes bill to take back Burke salary and benefits Dec. 13, 2018: Proposal to sue Burke for $1.5M settlement tabled Nov. 26, 2018: Ex-police chief James Burke released from prison, sent to halfway house March 3, 2018: Editorial: Break up the game among Long Island political insiders Feb. 1, 2018: Suffolk agrees to settle Christopher Loeb’s lawsuit, officials say Jan. 26, 2018: Spota, former aide make brief court appearance in cover-up case> Dec. 23, 2017: Arc of Thomas Spota’s career marked by close relationship with police Nov. 27, 2017: Brown: Third time a charm for Suffolk top cop search? Nov. 8, 2017: Original charges against James Burke’s accuser dropped Oct. 28, 2017: Brown: Thomas Spota couldn’t continue as Suffolk DA Oct. 26, 2017: Burke, at heart of Spota case, receives $145G pension Oct. 26, 2017: DA Thomas Spota ‘leaving my post’ after federal indictment Oct. 26, 2017: Spota’s decades-long relationship with Burke leads to indictment Oct. 25, 2017: Suffolk DA Thomas Spota, top aide indicted in cover-up Oct. 25, 2017: Editorial: District Attorney Thomas Spota’s contempt for the law Aug. 4, 2017: Burke accuser charged with violating order of protection May 9, 2017: Sources: Drugs found in ex-Suffolk police chief Burke’s prison cell April 26, 2017: Attorneys: Christopher Loeb indictment should be thrown out April 1, 2017: Brown: Several investigations of Long Island public officials underway Jan. 31, 2017: Christopher Loeb goes free as guilty plea is set aside Dec. 21, 2016: ‘Numerous’ cops pleaded guilty in James Burke cover-up, court papers say Nov. 16, 2016: James Burke, ex-Suffolk police chief, appealing prison sentence Nov. 2, 2016: Ex-Suffolk police chief James Burke gets 46 months in prison Oct. 31, 2016: Prosecutors recommend 51-month jail sentence for James Burke Oct. 28, 2016: James Burke asks for no prison so he can care for ill mom Sept. 9, 2016: Former Suffolk police chief James Burke sentencing date set May 3, 2016: Steve Bellone was warned James Burke’s past would lead to scandal Feb. 2, 2016: James Burke, ex-Suffolk police chief, offered plea deal of about 5 years, sources say Dec. 9, 2015: James Burke’s arrest generates disappointment, concern in Suffolk Dec. 10, 2016: Janison: Suffolk’s official puzzles are piling up Dec. 10, 2015: James Burke, ex-Suffolk police chief, charged in assault, cover-up Dec. 8, 2015: James Burke, former Suffolk police chief of department, indicted, sources say Oct. 27, 2015: Suffolk Police Chief James Burke resigns as federal probe reopens Nov. 7, 2013: Man at center of case with top Suffolk cop Burke says chief, other cops beat him Oct. 24, 2013: Testimony: Burke left crime scene with duffel bag July 13, 2013: Culture of cover-up: How deep is it? June 27, 2013: Editorial: Suffolk chief crossed line of good judgment June 25, 2013: Sources: FBI probing Suffolk Chief of Police James Burke June 14, 2013: Police: Chief went to theft suspect’s home June 14: 2013: Man accused of stealing police gun belt, ammo in St. James
Other LI officials charged with abuse of power

The Politics of Corruption: Thomas Spota

Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota

Thomas Spota

Convicted of:Conspiracy, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and acting as accessories to the deprivation of the civil rights of Christopher Loeb, a suspect in the break-in of Suffolk Police Chief James Burke’s department SUV.

Thomas Spota, the Suffolk County district attorney, was indicted in October 2017 on federal charges that he was involved in a cover-up of ex-Suffolk Police Chief James Burke’s 2012 assault of a suspect. U.S. attorneys said Spota, along with longtime aide Christopher McPartland, intimidated and pressured witnesses not to cooperate with federal investigators in order to protect Burke. Spota pleaded not guilty to the charges. A day after his plea, he announced he would leave the office he has held since 2002. His last day in office was Nov. 10, 2017. Spota and McPartland’s trial began on Nov. 12, 2019. Spota and McPartland were convicted on all counts on Dec. 17, 2019. On Aug. 10, 2021, Spota was sentenced to five years in prison. McPartland was also sentenced to five years.

The latest on the Spota case

Aug. 10, 2021: Spota, McPartland each sentenced to 5 years in prison Aug. 8, 2021: Spota, McPartland to learn their fates at sentencing scheduled Aug. 5, 2021: Spota, McPartland face 57 to 71 months in prison under federal sentencing guidelines, judge rules June 30, 2021: Spota, McPartland defense teams argue against possible sentence enhancements May 1, 2021: Unsealed Spota records reveal allegations of plot to topple Levy April 17, 2021: Feds: Spota and McPartland should serve 8 years in prison for Burke cover-up March 9, 2021: Spota, McPartland should not go to prison over Burke cover-up, court papers say Feb. 25, 2021: Federal judge in Spota-McPartland criminal case said she would unseal some court records Dec. 10, 2020: Judge sets Spota, McPartland sentencings for March 24 Nov. 30, 2020: Judge refuses to toss Spota-McPartland convictions; defendants won’t get new trials July 1, 2020: Feds, defense clash over sentencing date for ex-Suffolk DA Spota June 10, 2020: Former Suffolk DA Spota disbarred from practice of law due to conviction May 28, 2020: Spota, McPartland sentencing delayed again due to coronavirus May 5, 2020: Defense for ex-DA: Prosecution brushed off defense bid for new trial April 13, 2020: Defense, prosecution spar on bid for new trial for Spota, top aide March 9, 2020: Suffolk sues Spota, McPartland and Burke for back pay and benefits Feb. 28, 2020: Papers: Spota, McPartland want convictions thrown out; seek new trial Feb. 12, 2020: Sentencing delayed for former Suffolk DA Jan. 10, 2020: Bellone: Spota conviction closed ‘dark chapter’ in Suffolk history Jan. 7, 2020: Sentencing set for April for Spota, McPartland Dec. 17, 2019: Jury finds Thomas Spota, Christopher McPartland guilty Dec. 16, 2019: Spota-McPartland jury sends 3 notes to judge as deliberations start Dec. 16, 2019: Power on Trial: Judge mentions Burke 45 times in jury instructions Dec. 12, 2019: Power on Trial: Don’t judge Spota for Burke association, lawyer says Dec. 12, 2019: Defense: No credible evidence ex-DA Spota was corrupt Dec. 12, 2019: Power on Trial: Defendants formed a cabal, prosecutor says Dec. 12, 2019: Defense: Spota had track record of doing ‘right thing’ in Burke case Dec. 11, 2019: Power on Trial: Defendants formed a cabal, prosecutor says Dec. 11, 2019: Lawyers sum up in Spota, McPartland obstruction trial Dec. 10, 2019: Power on Trial: James Burke’s lawyer takes the stand Dec. 10, 2019: Ex-chief’s lawyer at trial: Burke wanted it known he didn’t cooperate Dec. 9, 2019: Power on Trial: Burke brother says guilty plea was ‘tough pill’ Dec. 9, 2019: Witness: McPartland took jailed ex-PD chief’s money without questions Dec. 5, 2019: Power on Trial: Ex-Spota deputy says Burke trash-talked DA’s office Dec. 5, 2019: Ex-DA’s deputy: Spota had a ‘queasy’ feeling about chief’s comment Dec. 4, 2019: Power on Trial: Burke cried at Spota’s home, witness says Dec. 4, 2019: Former top prosecutor says ex-DA was angry at handling of beating case Dec. 3, 2019: Power on Trial: McPartland, Spota lawyers quiz ex-cop Dec. 3, 2019: Defense for ex-DA Spota attacks star government witness Dec. 2, 2019: Power on Trial: Ex-cop feared for safety in Burke meeting Dec. 2, 2019: Ex-cop testifies he feared for life as beating cover-up unraveled Nov. 26, 2019: Power on Trial: Ex-cop links McPartland, Spota to cover-up Nov. 26, 2019: Witness: Spota demanded to know who ‘flipped’ on Burke cover-up Nov. 25, 2019: Power on Trial: Stress over Loeb probe put cop in hospital Nov. 25, 2019: Doctor: Key witness in Spota case hallucinated after stress, no sleep Nov. 21, 2019: Power on Trial: A brutal beating described Nov. 21, 2019: Witness: Burke’s fury sparked by prisoner’s ‘pervert’ insult Nov. 20, 2019: Power on Trial: Cops describe department in turmoil Nov. 20, 2019: Ex-detective testifies he put family in hotel due to concerns about Burke case Nov. 19, 2019: Power on Trial: Current and former cops take the stand Nov. 19, 2019: Detective: Burke’s bag contained sex toys, condoms, union cards Nov. 18, 2019: Power on Trial: Suffolk Dems leader takes the stand Nov. 18, 2019: Schaffer: Spota boosted Burke’s bid for chief job Nov. 14, 2019: Power on Trial: Spota, McPartland trial gets underway Nov. 14, 2019: Feds: Spota, McPartland thought they were above the law Nov. 13, 2019: Jury selected in case against former Suffolk DA and aide Nov. 12, 2019: Key figure appears at final jury selection round in Spota-McPartland trial Nov. 9, 2019: Former DA Spota’s obstruction trial to start Tuesday Nov. 5, 2019: Jury selection moves forward in case against Spota, McPartland Oct. 30, 2019: Hundreds of potential jurors screened for Spota/McPartland trial Oct. 2, 2019: Judge denies defense request for Spota, McPartland trial delay Sept. 11, 2019: Lawyers: Ex-Suffolk DA, aide committed no crime June 27, 2019: Judge sets trial schedule for ex-DA Spota, aide April 1, 2019: Judge delays the Spota-McPartland trial to November March 21, 2019: Unsealed court letter reveals details of investigation into Spota March 11, 2019: Bellone signs bill to recoup Burke pay; targets Spota Dec. 26, 2018: Papers detail alleged efforts to thwart Burke probe Dec. 6, 2018: Prosecutors: Spota, top aide plotted to obstruct justice Oct. 25, 2018: Judge delays obstruction trial of Spota, aide to May July 20, 2018: Feds close to turning over evidence in Spota case July 18, 2018: Editorial: Corruption trials demand reforms July 11, 2018: Ex-Spota aide McPartland gets legal defense fund July 2, 2018: Brown: Stay tuned. More corruption trials are to come April 12, 2018: Power on Trial: Judge in Mangano trial also presiding over Spota case April 12, 2018: Federal judge sets Spota trial date Jan. 26, 2018: Spota, former aide make brief court appearance in cover-up case Feb. 1, 2018: Suffolk agrees to settle Christopher Loeb’s lawsuit, officials say Jan. 26, 2018: Spota, former aide make brief court appearance in cover-up case Jan. 11, 2018: Spota paid $154,000 to defense from campaign fund Jan. 7, 2018: Former Thomas Spota aide hired by Suffolk Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. Jan. 2, 2018: Editorial: Tough but clear path for Sini Dec. 23, 2017: Arc of Thomas Spota’s career marked by close relationship with police Dec. 1, 2017: Thomas Spota’s aide wants government to pay for current attorney Nov. 21, 2017: Records: Suffolk DA’s office bonuses totaled $3.25M since 2012 Nov. 15, 2017: Brown: Restore trust in Suffolk DA’s office — now, not later Nov. 13, 2017: Cuomo aide: No plans to appoint an interim DA in Suffolk Nov. 10, 2017: Tim Sini wants to discuss early appointment as Suffolk DA Nov. 8, 2017: Thomas Spota’s last day will be Friday, says DA’s office Nov. 8, 2017: Original charges against James Burke’s accuser dropped Nov. 8, 2017: Sini defeats Perini in Suffolk district attorney contest Nov. 3, 2017: Editorial: One way to fight election collusion on Long Island Oct. 28, 2017: Brown: Spota couldn’t continue as Suffolk DA Oct. 27, 2017: Rich Schaffer, Steve Bellone differ over Spota resignation Oct. 26, 2017: DA Thomas Spota ‘leaving my post’ after federal indictment Oct. 26, 2017: Burke, former chief at heart of Spota case, receives $145G pension Oct. 26, 2017: Spota’s decades-long relationship with Burke leads to indictment Oct. 25, 2017: Democratic lawmakers urge Thomas Spota to resign Oct. 25, 2017: Suffolk DA Thomas Spota, top aide indicted in cover-up Oct. 25, 2017: Spota, McPartland draw mix of onlookers to courtroom Oct. 25, 2017: District Attorney Thomas Spota’s contempt for the law Oct. 13, 2017: Suffolk DA Thomas Spota awards $2.7 million in staff bonuses, records show June 14, 2017: Brown: LI’s top cops: Looking ahead to possible changes May 12, 2017: Brown: Longtime Suffolk DA Thomas Spota will leave under a cloud May 12, 2017: Suffolk District Attorney Spota says he won’t seek re-election May 12, 2017: After 40 years in law enforcement, Spota calls it a career May 12, 2017: Timeline of Suffolk District Attorney Thomas Spota’s career April 26, 2017: Attorneys: Christopher Loeb indictment should be thrown out Dec. 21, 2016: ‘Numerous’ cops pleaded guilty in James Burke cover-up, court papers say March 12, 2016: Brown: Edward Walsh trial may spotlight DA Thomas Spota
Other LI officials charged with abuse of power