Lawmakers Demand Special Prosecutor After Nassau Police Commissioner's Sudden Resignation
MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The sudden resignation of Nassau County's police commissioner has some elected officials calling for an independent investigation.
Thomas Dale unexpectedly stepped down last Thursday after prosecutors released the findings of an investigation into alleged witness intimidation by the former commissioner.
Prosecutors found Dale directed officers to pull over a bus and arrest a witness involved in an election year dispute in October, 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reported.
L.I. Lawmakers Call For Independent Investigation Into Nassau Police Commissioner's Resignation
Randy White, a witness in a campaign violations case involving a local mayor, was arrested for an unpaid $250 fine, CBS 2′s Tony Aiello reported.
In a statement released last week announcing Dale's resignation, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano said, "The District Attorney found no evidence to indicate criminality, but the investigation itself indicates a fresh look at internal procedures is warranted."
Democratic legislators are now demanding a special prosecutor conduct an independent investigation.
They're making it clear that they suspect involvement by Mangano, WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reported.
"It's hard to believe that the County Executive is not involved," Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams said. "Whether he knew and he was part of a cover up in obviously a case of witness intimidation or he didn't know and pretty much it's conceivable to think that he's out of touch."
"If he did know, he has to answer for it, and if he didn't know then he really has to answer for it," said Legislator David Denenberg.
Abrahams said a probe by the district attorney did not go far enough and is recommending legislative hearings and an investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
"We need to have hearings to either validate or invalidate our suspicions," Abrahams said.
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