Nassau County Exec, Supervisor Face Bribery Charges

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY – Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto were slapped with a 13-count federal indictment today, alleging a long-running scheme of bribery, honest services wire fraud, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice. The charges stem from accusations that the pair accepted bribes from a businessman, identified as “Co-Conspirator #1,” in exchange for official actions benefiting his ventures.

The indictment unsealed this morning details a conspiracy allegedly spanning from January 2010 to February 2015. Edward Mangano, 61, who has served as Nassau County Executive since January 2010, is accused of not only conspiracy and bribery but also extortion. His wife, Linda Mangano, and John Venditto, 68, who has been Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor since January 1998, are charged with obstructing justice and making false statements to investigators. The feds moved swiftly this morning, executing search and seizure warrants at the Manganos’ residence in Bethpage, New York, and the County Executive’s Office in Mineola, New York.

“Yet again, we announce a breach of trust by two of our public officials,” thundered United States Attorney Robert L. Capers at a press conference. “These men undermined the very system of laws they promised to uphold by furthering their personal interests rather than the best interests of their constituents. Sadly, Mangano also enlisted the assistance of his wife in an attempt to shield his wrongdoing.” Capers vowed to hold the defendants accountable for their alleged actions. The investigation received assistance from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office.

Federal investigators allege that the scheme involved Edward Mangano and John Venditto abusing their positions to enrich themselves. FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney, Jr. stated that the defendants “lied about their conduct to investigators, fanning the flames of a fire that became too large to contain.” Sweeney emphasized the corrosive effect of public corruption on governmental credibility and the potential for further criminal activity. The indictment lays out a pattern of alleged quid pro quo, with official actions traded for financial gain.

“The public expects its elected officials to serve them honestly and honorably,” added Shantelle P. Kitchen, Special Agent-in-Charge, IRS-CI. “When public officials abuse the power they have been entrusted for their own personal benefit, they violate the public trust and betray their constituents.” The IRS-CI’s involvement highlights the financial component of the alleged corruption, suggesting a significant monetary trail.

The defendants were arrested today and are scheduled to be arraigned before Hon. Sandra J. Feuerstein at the United States Courthouse, 100 Federal Plaza, Central Islip, New York. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available. This case serves as a stark reminder that even those in positions of power are not immune to the long arm of the law. The full indictment details the specific actions allegedly taken by Edward Mangano, Linda Mangano, and John Venditto, outlining the charges of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, honest services wire fraud, obstruction of justice, extortion, and making false statements.