Thomas Spota and Christopher McPartland – Suffolk's former district attorney and his top aide – were found guilty Tuesday on all charges related to their federal obstruction of justice case.

Spota and McPartland were convicted on conspiracy to tamper with witnesses, witness tampering, obstruction of justice and accessory after-the-fact to the deprivation of Christopher Loeb's civil rights.

Loeb stole a duffel bag that contained sex toys and pornography out of Burke's car before the disgraced chief assaulted him while handcuffed.

Burke pleaded guilty in his case and has already served a 46-month sentence.

The jury sorted through five weeks of evidence, including phone records, cell tower data and witness statements about secret meetings between Spota and McPartland.

During the trial, former police officer Kenneth Bombace admitted to taking part in the assault, saying he felt tremendous pressure to get a confession out of Loeb.

Another prosecution witness, now-retired Lt. James Hickey, was the first person to testify that he had direct conversations with Spota and McPartland about covering up the beating.

The jury deliberated for about 6 ½ hours over one day before finding both men guilty. During those deliberations, they did send three notes, including a request for transcripts of testimony from two witnesses.

The jurors reviewed the testimony of prosecutor Spiros Moustakas who worked under Spota and McPartland, as well as Hickey.

Suffolk Legislator Rob Trotta, a retired Suffolk detective, was described in testimony at the trial as an "enemy of Burke and the administration." Trotta told News 12 that the verdict was "vindication for a lot of good cops out there who got railroaded."

"Suffolk County is a cesspool, politically, it's really disgusting – and let me assure you, this is not the end," says Trotta.

The verdict comes almost seven years to the day of the assault on Loeb. Loeb, who attended much of the six-week trial in Central Islip, said that he was "ecstatic" with the jury's decision.

Spota and McPartland face up to 20 years in prison when they are sentenced.

The jury deliberated for about 6 ½ hours over one day before finding both men guilty.

Loeb, who attended much of the six-week trial in Central Islip, said that he was “ecstatic” with the jury’s decision.

Spota and McPartland face up to 20 years in prison when they are sentenced.

 

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