Former Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano sentenced to 12 years for bribery scheme
NEW YORK -- Former Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, the once popular Republican leader, is now a disbarred attorney and felon on his way to a lengthy prison sentence of 12 years, CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reported Thursday.
"It's just a very sad, painful day and we'll go on to the appeal," Mangano said.
Mangano was found guilty of bribery and corruption in a kickback scheme, steering contracts to a former Oyster Bay restauranteur and longtime family friend, Harendra Singh, who gave Linda Mangano, the former county executive's wife, a "no show" job that paid $100,000 per year.
Linda Mangano was found guilty of obstruction and lying to the FBI. She was sentenced to 15 months behind bars.
"We continue the fight. We're gonna file an appeal and we're hopeful that it will work out in the end," said John Carman, Linda Mangano's defense attorney.
Hundreds of Ed Mangano's supporters signed petitions and letters.
"I appreciate all the supporters. I really do," he said.
Linda Mangano is a community volunteer and advocate.
"She's gone through a tremendous pain and enough, and she's gonna have a very difficult time," the former county executive said.
The judge was swayed by quid pro quo: free vacations and meals for the Manganos, luxury chairs, hardwood flooring and a $7,000 watch for their son.
"Your crimes were motivated by greed, entitlement, the law be damned. Rot ran deep ... you showed no remorse in the slightest," U.S. District Court Judge Joan Azrak told Mangano.
"The disgraceful and greedy conduct of the Manganos has been exposed and they've been punished," U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace said.
The Manganos told the judge their lives have been destroyed and they are in mental, emotional and financial ruin.
Their prison sentences begin in June, two months before the expected birth of their first grandchild.