Ex-Suffolk County 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.
The latest on the Walsh case
July 12, 2019: Ex-Conservative Party chief finishes prison sentence May 3, 2019: Edward Walsh released from prison, record shows Sept. 25, 2018: Appeals court denies bail for ex-party chief Edward Walsh March 3, 2018: Editorial: Break up the game among Long Island political insiders Jan. 17, 2018: Ruling: Suffolk party illegally filled positions Oct. 18, 2017: Edward Walsh, ex-Suffolk party leader, surrenders to prison officials Sept. 13, 2017: Editorial: Race for sheriff a fight for decency in Suffolk politics Aug. 29, 2017: Edward Walsh denied bid for new trial, ordered to prison Aug. 21, 2017: Edward Walsh prison surrender delayed by federal judge June 21, 2017: Brown: Politics intrude on Walsh sentencing June 21, 2017: Brown: Politics intrude on Walsh sentencing June 20, 2017: Edward Walsh sentenced to 2 years in prison, ordered to make restitution June 1, 2017: Federal judge rules Ed Walsh doesn’t face increased sentence May 22, 2017: Edward Walsh hearing postponed from Monday, now set for June 1 April 28, 2017: Judge delays Conservative Party leader Edward Walsh’s sentencing April 24, 2017: Defense seeks to delay Walsh sentencing after new accusations Feb. 2, 2017: Ed Walsh wire fraud sentencing postponed until April Nov. 9, 2016: Judge denies request to overturn Edward Walsh fraud conviction Oct. 23, 2016: 2 Suffolk judges recuse themselves in Conservative Party fight Oct. 10, 2016: Faction sues over Suffolk Conservative party chairman election July 31, 2016: Walsh, ex-Suffolk Conservative chairman, to return $16.5G May 16, 2016: Edward Walsh fails to qualify for immediate pension April 2, 2016: Edward Walsh case jurors say no to government corruption April 2, 2016: Edward Walsh’s conviction raises questions about benefits March 31, 2016: Edward Walsh convicted on all counts in federal court March 31, 2016: Edward Walsh conviction sparks Conservative leadership fight March 30, 2016: Judge denies defense motion to find Ed Walsh not guilty March 30, 2016: Edward Walsh’s abuse victim criticizes party boss Jan. 8, 2015: Conservative Party head Edward Walsh golfed, gambled on government time, say prosecutors Jan. 7, 2015: Walsh seen as ‘bully’ as he ascended to party leadership spot Jan. 6, 2015: Conservative Party chief Edward Walsh to be charged with salary fraud, sources say Oct. 8, 2014: Editorial: Look deep into corrosive mix of politics and judges Sept. 24, 2014: Grand jury looking at Suffolk Sheriff Lt. Edward Walsh widens scope Dec. 10, 2014: Edward Walsh’s expense spending faulted in federal complaint filed by Brookhaven Conservatives Aug. 23, 2014: Clues emerge in direction of Walsh investigation Aug. 21, 2014: Editorial: Nothing routine about Walsh investigation Aug. 11, 2014: Edward Walsh probe turned over to FBI, Suffolk Sheriff DeMarco says July 25, 2014: Edward Walsh returns to Suffolk payroll as he fights firing July 15, 2014: Edward Walsh told that Suffolk sheriff’s department seeking his termination June 25, 2014: Edward Walsh, Suffolk Conservative leader, suspended from sheriff’s department job May 8, 2014: Editorial: Fire officer-party leader from both jobs May 3, 2014: Edward Walsh probe shows minor party can cause major complications April 30, 2014: Conservative Party’s Edward Walsh among sheriff employees in corrections wage probe