LONG ISLAND, NY(TIP) Former Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto was acquitted Thursday, May 24, on all corruption-related charges as a federal jury delivered a partial verdict before continuing its deliberations on his co-defendants, former Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and his wife, Linda.
Venditto was cleared on 27 counts that included federal program bribery, honest-services wire fraud and securities fraud in the trial now nearing the end of its 11th week.
Prosecutors had alleged that Venditto, 68, of North Massapequa, accepted free limo rides and other perks from Singh and, in exchange, helped Singh obtain the more than $20 million in business loans pegged to Oyster Bay’s creditworthiness.
“Mr. Venditto, you are excused. Good luck,” Azrack said after his verdict was read.
“Thank you,” he replied.
He remained stoic in the Central Islip courtroom as, count by count, the “not guilty” findings became a refrain.
“From the very first day I started in law school, I have had nothing but faith in our justice system and the events of today confirm that faith,” Venditto told the gathered mediapersons after he was dismissed with the well wishes of U.S. District Judge Joan M. Azrack.
Meanwhile, Jury is set to deliberate on Mangano and Linda cases on Friday, May 25.