Former DA On Trial For Alleged Cover-Up Of Police Beating Man Who Stole Sex Toys, Ammo, Porn From Cop Car
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- He believed he was above the law. That's what federal prosecutors told a jury Thursday during opening statements in the corruption trial of Thomas Spota, the former district attorney of Suffolk County.
It's a legal proceeding that already boasts political intrigue and introduces sex toys, booze, pornography, lies, beatings, accusations of a cover-up, payouts and intimidation, CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reported.
Needless to say, it's a stunner in Suffolk County.
Thomas Spota, now 78, who wielded influence and power for 16 years as district attorney, is, himself, on trial in federal court.
"He's had a good reputation for a long time," one person said.
"And to see him fall that far?" another added.
Twelve jurors and six alternates picked from a pool of 400 were sworn in and defense attorneys hit the ground running Thursday, emphatically telling the court Spota is an "honest, dedicated, respected, distinguished public servant" who had nothing to do with covering up an assault committed by his then-protege, Suffolk Police Chief James Burke.
Burke went to prison in 2016 for beating handcuffed burglary suspect Christopher Loeb, a recovering heroin addict, who stole a duffel bag from Burke's police vehicle. It contained Burke's sex toys, pornography, cigars, gun belt and ammunition.
Burke then orchestrated an elaborate scheme to try to cover his actions, assisted allegedly by the DA.
"Every time I asked for a lawyer I got hit again. I got hit again. I got choked,I got choked punched, I got slapped, kicked," Loeb said.
That was then, this is now. Loeb said he was prevented from entering the courtroom and told he would taint the proceedings.
"They look at me as a heroin addict junkie that broke into a cop's car," Loeb said.
FLASHBACK: Day After Indictment, Spota Says He Plans To Retire
Meanwhile, federal prosecutors called Spota a corrupt lawyer covering up a crooked cop, charging him with conspiracy, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and depriving a suspect's civil rights.
Former Police Commissioner John Gallagher was first to testify, saying, "In the case of the DA, I always found him to be a man of principle."
The trial could last four weeks. Spota is free on $500,000 bond and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Loeb won a $1.5 million lawsuit settlement against Suffolk County, following the beating by Chief Burke.