A 16-month investigation into allegations of corruption within the building department of the Town of North Hempstead resulted in four more arrests Monday, Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced.

All four of the individuals arrested Monday morning either currently or previously worked in the building department.

"An investigation of this size and scope into a building department is unprecedented and the results are alarming," Rice said. "We look forward to holding these individuals accountable and to restoring the trust constituents have a right to have in their local governments."

David Wasserman, 48, of Roslyn Heights, served as building commissioner from May 2000 to January 2006. In a 29-count indictment, prosecutors claim Wasserman violated town ethics codes and New York state law by covering up a private architectural practice while in office, failed to disclose outside earnings on financial disclosure forms and received unlawful gratuities from a local gym immediately after approving its construction. He also allegedly failed to report more than $100,000 in income on tax returns from 2003 through 2005.

Wasserman faces up to seven years in prison for the top felony charge. Bail was set at $20,000 bond or $10,000 cash. He is due back in court November 5.

Also arrested was building inspector Thomas McDonough, 48, of Port Washington. He faces a four-count indictment, which includes allegations of grand larceny by extortion and bribery. Bail was set at $5,000 bond or $2,500 cash. McDonough faces a maximum seven-year sentence and will return to court November 5.

Joseph Madden, 39, deputy building commissioner from 1999 until March 2006, was charged with accepting cash bribes totaling more than $10,000 in exchange for inspection certifications and building plan approval. Madden, who faces up to seven years in prison for the top charge, is scheduled back in court on October 17. Bail was set at $50,000 bond or $25,000 cash.

Former plans examiner Andrew Acierno, 43, of Westbury, was also arrested Monday. Acierno allegedly drafted private plans while working for the town. He is also accused of underreporting more than $200,000 of income over a three-year period, among other charges. Acierno's $25,000 bail status was continued and he is due back in court October 17.

Click here to read the indictment against David Wasserman Click here to read the indictment against Thomas McDonough

Related Information:4arrested in N. Hempstead building department probe