Richard “Rob” Walker, Obstruction of Justice, New York 2019

Richard “Rob” Walker, the former Chief Deputy County Executive under former Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for obstruction of justice.

Walker, 43, of Hicksville, New York, was sentenced by United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack in federal court in Central Islip. In addition to the prison time, Walker was ordered to pay $5,000 in forfeiture, a $5,500 fine, and perform 2,000 hours of community service.

Walker pleaded guilty to the charge in May 2019.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Walker accepted a $5,000 cash payment from a contractor in 2014, while he was Chief Deputy Nassau County Executive. He then attempted to persuade the contractor to conceal the payment from a grand jury investigation and provide a false explanation for the transaction.

As part of the investigation, consensually recorded conversations revealed Walker claiming that the payment did not have to be disclosed to the grand jury if he returned it to the contractor. He also lied to the FBI about the payment, stating that he had borrowed the money from the contractor and returned it.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, announced the sentence.

“While occupying an important position of public trust, Walker accepted illicit payments from a contractor, encouraged the contractor to commit perjury before a federal grand jury, and lied to the FBI to cover up his crimes,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office will prosecute corrupt officials like Walker who seek to obstruct justice and abuse the public trust.”

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Public Corruption

Edward Mangano, Bribery, New York 2010

Oct 20, 2016

Public Corruption

Texas Voter ID Law, Violates Voting Rights Act, Texas 2016

Jul 20, 2016

Public Corruption

Oklahoma's Slicked-Handed Politicians: A Web of Bribery and Betrayal

Sep 3, 1922

Public Corruption

Railroad Officials Face Heat over Engineer Wages, New York NY, 1912

Jul 18, 1912