Mangano-Venditto jury ends day 3 of deliberations without verdict

<p>Jurors ended their third day of deliberations after asking the judge for assistance Tuesday afternoon in the federal corruption case against two former prominent Nassau officials.&nbsp;</p>

News 12 Staff

May 22, 2018, 9:55 AM

Updated 2,166 days ago

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Jurors ended their third day of deliberations after asking the judge for assistance Tuesday afternoon in the federal corruption case against two former prominent Nassau officials. 
They sent a note to the judge reading, "We need further assistance. We cannot come to agreement on certain items."
At 3:45 p.m., the judge re-read some of her original instructions to them and told them to be more specific if they need more assistance. Jurors left for the day around 5 p.m. without sending another note. They will resume deliberations Wednesday morning.
On Monday, the judge told them to keep trying after they said they couldn't reach an agreement in the trial of former Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, his wife Linda and former Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto.
Jurors have heard from 60 witnesses and seen more than 1,000 pieces of evidence over more than 10 weeks. 
Jurors were focusing on transcripts involving FBI Agent Laura Spence, whose testimony is potentially crucial to determine whether Linda Mangano lied to investigators.
Both Ed Mangano and Venditto are accused of taking bribes from restaurant owner Harendra Singh in exchange for county contracts and loan guarantees. As News 12 has reported, Singh has pleaded guilty and is cooperating with prosecutors.
Prosecutors say the contracts are proof that Singh received benefits from Mangano in exchange for bribes. 
The defense argued that Singh received a contract after interference from former Nassau presiding officer, the late Peter Schmitt -- and not Mangano.
Mangano's attorney also said that another contract with the Office of Emergency Management came from state health officials, not the county.


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