Several of Suffolk's Democratic legislators are joining their Republican counterparts in demanding District Attorney Tom Spota be more candid about the recent corruption allegations against him.
As News 12 has previously reported, Spota has been criticized for vouching for former Suffolk Police Chief James Burke, who recently pleaded guilty to federal charges of assaulting a suspect and conspiring to cover it up.
Spota also received criticism after he declined to prosecute Robert Macedonio, a politically connected defense attorney, after a comprehensive investigation and wiretap probe provided enough evidence to do so.
Legislator Rob Calarco (D - Patchogue) suggested Spota have a more "in-depth conversation with the media" or speak his mind to the Legislature directly.
"I think he needs to be more vocal about what he is facing," Calarco told News 12 Long Island.
Legislator William Lindsay III (D-Bohemia) went a step further, demanding that Spota testify at a public hearing before the full Legislature.
Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory (D-Amityville) says he plans to send a letter to the U.S. Attorney's Office asking them to "expedite" their current investigation into the handling of the Macedonio case.
Gregory says lawmakers do have the power to subpoena a person. The majority of the legislators would have to vote on it, and many who spoke to News 12 Long Island are not ready to subpoena the district attorney.
Republican Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) says he's not surprised.
"The last thing they want is two Democrats, the county executive and the district attorney, coming in here to answer questions. They don't want that, they know this is a house of cards and it's about to fall," saysTrotta.
A spokesman says Spota has spoken to several legislators over the phone, but no agreements have been made regarding any private meetings. As for testifying before a public hearing, the spokesman says the district attorney is, by law, unable disclose information about a wiretap investigation unless inside a courtroom.