Opening arguments begin in suburban corruption trial

Opening arguments began on Wednesday in the bribery trial of former Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, his wife and a former town supervisor in a case that a federal prosecutor described as “corruption and greed at the highest level.”

Between 2010 and last December, Mangano held the highest elected position in the county adjacent to New York City. Prosecutors said the Republican began engaging in corrupt acts within weeks of his election.

“Mr. Mangano lied and accepted bribes and his wife, Linda, had a $100,000-a-year year sham job,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Gatz told the court, adding that the former attorney and county legislator sold himself to maintain his lifestyle.

Mangano, his wife, Linda, of Bethpage, New York, and John Venditto, a former Oyster Bay town supervisor, all have pleaded not guilty to an indictment alleging extortion, bribery and more.

The trial, which began a day after the bribery conviction of a former top aide to Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, could entangle another high profile politician, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, who may be asked to testify.

The indictment charges that Mangano and Venditto received bribes and kickbacks to help a Long Island businessman, Harendra Singh, obtain guaranteed loans. Linda, prosecutors said, was given a $100,000-a-year, no-show job at one of the Singh’s restaurants, enabling her to make $450,000 while doing little besides tasting food.

Edward Mangano also is accused of accepting vacations and other gifts in exchange for his influence. He has denied any wrongdoing.

The Manganos said they had a two-decade personal friendship with Singh, long before Mangano was elected, and that any gifts or favors between the families had nothing to do with his office.

On Wednesday, Mangano’s attorney, Kevin Keating, attacked Singh’s character, saying “he lied every day of his life” and could not be believed.