Judge declares mistrial in Mangano corruption trial

<p>A mistrial has been declared for Ed and Linda Mangano.</p>

News 12 Staff

May 31, 2018, 4:17 PM

Updated 2,165 days ago

Share:

U.S. District Judge Joan M. Azrack declared a mistrial Thursday in the federal corruption trial of former Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and his wife, Linda.
It was the culmination of a 12-week trial and nine days of deliberations.
The jury foreman told reporters that “This was a deadlocked jury" and cited the length of the trial as one of the reasons why a verdict wasn’t hashed out.
Prosecutors in the trial, which began on March 12 and included 60 witnesses and more than 1,100 pieces of evidence, aimed to prove that Mangano and former Town Supervisor John Venditto leveraged their positions to receive bribes and kickbacks from restaurateur Harendra Singh.
Singh, the prosecution’s star witness, testified that he had a quid pro quo relationship with the officials, who helped him secure millions in town-backed loan guarantees and county contracts.
Last week, jurors found former Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto not guilty of all charges -- more than two dozen altogether.
The foreman, named Marc, described the jury as "split" but says he personally believed the prosecution failed to prove that Ed Mangano received bribes in exchange for official actions, or that Linda Mangano lied to the FBI.
“To me, they were best friends of 30 years, and if I’m friends with somebody for 30 years, and I'm rich and I want to give my friend a present, to me it’s just a gift, a birthday gift. How are you going to say it’s a bribe?” said the foreman.
Ed Mangano's attorney Kevin Keating said he believes the prosecution did not have the evidence to bring this to trial, let alone get a conviction.
Ed and Linda Mangano were met by the media outside the Central Islip courthouse.
"Words can't describe the emotional hurt and pain and suffering that a trial puts on one and one's family and one's loved ones,” said Ed Mangano. "It is truly a sentence, in and of itself, a trial. It is emotionally draining. It is physically hurtful...It's something I don't wish on anyone."
“I’m going to look at this as the glass is half full instead of half empty," said Linda Mangano, who was accused of lying to the FBI. "I have learned that... sometimes in the darkest times of your life, you realize how blessed you are."
The jury foreman says he was in favor of acquittal for the Manganos. Ed and Linda Mangano hugged him and thanked him after he was finished speaking with reporters.
A spokesman did not have a comment about the mistrial but said the U.S. Attorney's Office intends to retry Ed and Linda Mangano.


More from News 12
1:06
‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

2:08
Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 8 Long Island restaurants

Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 8 Long Island restaurants

1:58
Mostly dry, cloudy Saturday on Long Island; light rain Sunday

Mostly dry, cloudy Saturday on Long Island; light rain Sunday

0:28
Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

2:15
Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

0:38
Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

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

1:58
Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

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

1:56
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

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

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