HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): Restaurateur Harendra Singh said he saw his long-time friend Mangano as a “connection” that would help his businesses flourish.

Singh has pleaded guilty to bribing Mangano. The prosecution established that Singh helped Mangano financially throughout his rise in politics, donating thousands of dollars to his campaigns and catering food to his staff, volunteers and friends.

Singh said he did it to make sure he would have Mangano’s support in his restaurant dealings.

Singh told the court Thursday, March 15, he rented a building to the Republican at a discount, gave his office free food and bought him a $3,000 office chair.

It is learnt prosecutors have a long list of witnesses which includes a former Nassau County employee close to Mangano who frequently organized fundraisers for Mangano.

Between 2010 and last December, Mangano held the highest elected position in Nassau County.