WATCH LIVE

Bridge over section of I-95 is being demolished due to damage from truck fire.

Ex-Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto found not guilty in corruption case

<p>Jurors found former Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto not guilty of all charges -- more than two dozen altogether -- Thursday in a federal corruption case.</p>

News 12 Staff

May 24, 2018, 2:51 PM

Updated 2,171 days ago

Share:

Jurors found former Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto not guilty of all charges -- more than two dozen altogether -- Thursday in a federal corruption case.
The jury's foreman had earlier sent a note to the judge saying jurors had only made a unanimous decision on one defendant. The other defendants are former Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and his wife, Linda.
"We are split on the other two," the note continued.
Venditto listened stoically as the jury foreman said not guilty. His wife wiped away tears, and his son, former state Sen. Michael Venditto, sat and pointed skyward as the jury delivered the verdict. The Vendittos have argued that the charges were politically motivated and designed to derail their political careers.
Throughout the trial, Venditto's defense attorney Marc Agnifilo had argued his client played no role in loan guarantees Oyster Bay Town had granted to Harendra Singh, the disgraced restaurateur who pleaded guilty to bribing officials and cooperated with prosecutors.
Evidently, jurors agreed with Venditto's argument.
"I knew it, and now the jury knows it, and the public knows it," Venditto said after the verdict. 
He credited Agnifilo, an elite defense attorney, for his work on the case and wondered aloud how many people may have been convicted because they had lesser lawyers working on their behalf.
"I see the power that the government has over a defendant," he said. "It made me wonder about how many people...are in jail today because maybe they couldn't get a lawyer the caliber I got to represent them."
Jurors are continuing deliberations on charges against the Manganos.
As News 12 Long Island has reported, the trial has stretched on for 11 weeks. Federal prosecutors accused the two former high-ranking Nassau officials of corruption and accepting bribes, among other charges. Linda Mangano is accused of lying to the FBI.
Jurors have spent the last five days deliberating and will return Friday.
Venditto is still facing unrelated state charges, but he said he's "ready for anything."


More from News 12
WATCH LIVE: Bridge over section of I-95 is being demolished due to damage from truck fire

WATCH LIVE: Bridge over section of I-95 is being demolished due to damage from truck fire

2:03
Dry with temperatures back in the 60s; rain is on the way for Connecticut

Dry with temperatures back in the 60s; rain is on the way for Connecticut

2:26
Gov. Lamont declares state of emergency in response to the I-95 tractor-trailer fire

Gov. Lamont declares state of emergency in response to the I-95 tractor-trailer fire

0:24
First selectwoman of Weston thanked an animal rescue group for helping save a baby owl

First selectwoman of Weston thanked an animal rescue group for helping save a baby owl

Bridgeport police seize an illegal stolen firearm

Bridgeport police seize an illegal stolen firearm

1:19
Man who oversaw cleanup of I-95 Bridgeport crash in 2004 reflects on Norwalk fire

Man who oversaw cleanup of I-95 Bridgeport crash in 2004 reflects on Norwalk fire

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

0:33
Experts fear 'catastrophic' college declines thanks to botched FAFSA rollout

Experts fear 'catastrophic' college declines thanks to botched FAFSA rollout

2:11
Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

3:14
Visit Ridgefield, Connecticut's first 'cultural district' in the state

Visit Ridgefield, Connecticut's first 'cultural district' in the state

2:39
Racist social media posts ignite outrage in Wilton community

Racist social media posts ignite outrage in Wilton community

  Police: Apparent grenade found in Bridgeport

Police: Apparent grenade found in Bridgeport

0:36
Live Nation Concert Week offers $25 tickets to over 5,000 shows

Live Nation Concert Week offers $25 tickets to over 5,000 shows

2:22
Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

0:35
Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:14
Investigation underway after 4 dogs die in Milford car fire

Investigation underway after 4 dogs die in Milford car fire

0:32
 Police: Meriden man accused of suffocating victim in front of her child

Police: Meriden man accused of suffocating victim in front of her child

0:36
'Difficult decision.' UConn president addresses arrests of students and encampment teardown

'Difficult decision.' UConn president addresses arrests of students and encampment teardown

0:24
Charges upgraded to father of 2-year-old found buried in a shallow grave in 2023

Charges upgraded to father of 2-year-old found buried in a shallow grave in 2023