Judge Postpones Start Of Nassau County Executive's Corruption Trial
MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A new start date was announced Tuesday for Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano's trial on corruption charges.
The trial was originally set to begin on Jan. 16, 2018.
But Mangano's attorneys asked the judge to postpone the trial for two months because his co-defendant, former Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto is now facing additional charges and the attorneys said they need more time to prepare.
The trial will now begin March 12.
As WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported, the embattled county executive seemed positive and upbeat inside the federal courthouse Tuesday.
"I'm always positive. I've done nothing wrong and you know I'm a positive person in life," he said.
But Mangano and his attorney, Kevin Keating, were not happy with the postponement.
"We've waited more than a year for this trial. I've said from the beginning that he is innocent," said Keating. "We intend to establish that, and now we have further delay."
Mangano is accused in a kickback scheme to help a restaurant owner receive over $20 million in grants and loans. In exchange, prosecutors said Mangano received fancy vacations, an expensive watch, new hardwood flooring for his Bethpage house.
Mangano and Venditto pleaded not guilty.
Mangano's wife is also accused of getting paid over $400,000 by the restaurant owner to be a food taster.
Mangano has denied any wrongdoing. His term ends Dec. 31.
