Ed Mangano attorney: Singh was friend of the family

<p>Former Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano&rsquo;s attorney Kevin Keating is portraying the prosecution&rsquo;s star witness as both a friend of the Mangano family and a ruthless businessman willing to commit fraud to succeed.</p>

News 12 Staff

Mar 28, 2018, 3:49 PM

Updated 2,228 days ago

Share:

Former Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano’s attorney Kevin Keating portrayed the prosecution’s star witness as both a friend of the Mangano family and a ruthless businessman willing to commit fraud to succeed.
Harendra Singh was back on the stand Wednesday in the federal corruption trial of Mangano, his wife Linda and former Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto.
Singh testified earlier in the trial that in the days after Superstorm Sandy, he visited Mangano often at the county's Office of Emergency Management. Singh said his goal was to obtain an emergency $225,000 contract to deliver meals to the first responders who were housed in the building. During Wednesday’s cross-examination, Singh acknowledged that it was OEM Commissioner Craig Craft, not Mangano, who ultimately signed the emergency contract.
Keating also brought up Singh’s attempts to secure a bread and rolls contract with the Nassau County Jail. He had testified last week that he met regularly with Sheriff Michael Sposato at IHOP about the $200,000 contract. Keating suggested Singh had an ulterior motive – lobbying Sposato to get his multimillionaire father-in-law to invest in his businesses. Singh said that was “absolutely not true."
In another point of contention, Keating displayed an email from Mangano to Singh, in which the former county executive informs Singh that he will be visiting Singleton's for lunch with Sen. Charles Schumer. Keating suggested that Mangano did this to give his friend a "heads up" so he can benefit from having such a prestigious guest at his restaurant.
Singh quickly disagreed, saying Mangano did it because he knew Singh would pick up the bill.
Keating continued his attempts to chip away at Singh's credibility, showing how the former self-proclaimed restaurant mogul routinely falsified financial statements, tax returns and other documents related to ongoing litigation. Singh acknowledged committing those crimes.
Ed Mangano appeared to be emotional as his attorney displayed pictures from a 2012 party for his mother at Singleton's. The pictures showed the Manganos smiling and dancing with members of the Singh family. Singh admitted that the Manganos paid for that party at his restaurant.
The trial resumes Thursday.


More from News 12
1:48
Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

1:44
Temps below average for the weekend with possible showers

Temps below average for the weekend with possible showers

0:20
Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

2:15
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

1:39
Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

1:56
JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

2:39
Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

0:20
Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

0:25
Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

2:19
Campus police on standby following pro-Palestinian protest arrests at Stony Brook University

Campus police on standby following pro-Palestinian protest arrests at Stony Brook University

0:19
Man wanted for stealing package worth $6,000 from East Northport home

Man wanted for stealing package worth $6,000 from East Northport home

0:59
New York to raise minimum award for tuition assistance program, expand eligibility

New York to raise minimum award for tuition assistance program, expand eligibility

1:44
The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

0:33
Experts fear 'catastrophic' college declines thanks to botched FAFSA rollout

Experts fear 'catastrophic' college declines thanks to botched FAFSA rollout

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

2:11
Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

9 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

9 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

0:35
Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:22
Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts