ROP

Mistrial declared for Manganos

Luke Torrance
Former Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano. (Photo courtesy of Nassau County)

Former Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and his wife Linda have been on trial for 12 weeks. But that was not enough time for the jury to reach a conclusion about the Manganos’ fates.

A mistrial was declared in the late afternoon on Thursday, on the ninth day of deliberations. According to Newsday reports, the situation amongst jurors was described as “toxic” and Judge Joan Azrack issued an Allen charge on Wednesday after the jury made it clear they were deadlocked on a decision.

The Manganos had been on trial in Central Islip with former Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, who was found not guilty on all counts last week.

Edward Mangano and Venditto were charged with conspiracy to commit federal program bribery and honest services wire fraud. Mangano was additionally charged with extortion and Venditto with securities fraud.

Linda Mangano is charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice, making false statements to the FBI and obstruction of justice. All three pleaded not guilty.

The charges stemmed from the relationship the three had with restaurateur Harendra Singh.

Singh testified early in the case that he had showered the Manganos with free meals, gifts and a $450,000 no-show job for Linda Mangano in exchange for lucrative deals and county contracts.

Singh said that Venditto received similar treatment, giving the town supervisor free meals and limousine rides in exchange for millions in loan guarantees backed by Oyster Bay.

Azrack said that a new trial date would be set during an announcement on June 28 at 10:30 a.m., according to Newsday.

(The story will be updated with more information.)

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