Singh reveals more about alleged Mangano-Venditto deals in testimony

<p>Harendra Singh was back on the stand for a fourth day Thursday and detailed his relationship with former Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, as well as more revelations about former Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano.</p>

News 12 Staff

Mar 22, 2018, 4:37 PM

Updated 2,237 days ago

Share:

Harendra Singh was back on the stand for a fourth day Thursday and detailed his relationship with former Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, as well as more revelations about former Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano.
Singh is the prosecution's star witness in the federal corruption trial for Venditto, Mangano and his wife Linda.
Singh testified that in 2013, Mangano handed him $3,600 in cash and asked him to swap it out with new bills. Singh said Mangano was afraid the money was marked after receiving it from a home contractor who had done work for the county executive and then kicked his fees back – hoping to curry favor with him.
Rather than question Mangano, Singh said he did as he was told even though he knew it was against the law.
"This was not something to be shared with anybody. This was not something legal. This was under-the-table money given to Ed Mangano for the work that was done at his house," said Singh.
Singh also testified that he spent thousands on limousine rides and car service for Venditto, his family and the men he describes as the supervisor's two lieutenants – campaign chairman Rich Porcelli and Deputy Town Supervisor Leonard Genova.
For Venditto, Singh said he paid for trips to Manhattan, with destinations like the Metropolitan Opera House and The Pierre hotel.
Singh said in 2010, he paid more than $1,000 in vehicles for a bachelor party for Venditto’s son, Michael. He said he also spent more than $1,300 for Michael's fiancé’s bachelorette party transportation and more than $1,700 for vehicles on the couple's wedding day.
Singh said he wasn't even invited to the wedding. Michael Venditto went on to become a county legislator and state senator.
Singh also described how he allowed Venditto to use space in the basement at his restaurant, Singleton's, whenever he wanted. He described one instance in which Venditto was smoking in a basement banquet room. A potential customer saw Venditto smoking and became offended. Instead of kicking the town supervisor out, Singh said he built a more private conference room and allowed Venditto, and later Mangano, to use it at will.
When asked why Singh provided these services, he said his businesses were reliant on good relations with the county and the town.
"You don't question someone who, with one action, can throw you out from your investment," said Singh.
Singh testified earlier this week that he was able to secure a loan guarantee of $20 million by the Town of Oyster Bay through bribes involving both Mangano, Venditto and a no-show job provided to Linda Mangano.


More from News 12
2:43
EXCLUSIVE: Bridgeport truck driver whose flatbed was struck in fiery I-95 crash says he’s grateful to be alive

EXCLUSIVE: Bridgeport truck driver whose flatbed was struck in fiery I-95 crash says he’s grateful to be alive

2:22
Mild and muggy in Connecticut; rain returns by midweek

Mild and muggy in Connecticut; rain returns by midweek

1:43
Saravanaa Bhavan a restaurant serving Indian vegetarian cuisine opens in Stamford

Saravanaa Bhavan a restaurant serving Indian vegetarian cuisine opens in Stamford

Former Bridgeport official pleads guilty to charges related to primaries and election in 2017, 2018

Former Bridgeport official pleads guilty to charges related to primaries and election in 2017, 2018

2:11
Security camera footage shows onset of deadly Stamford house fire

Security camera footage shows onset of deadly Stamford house fire

1:48
'This was a remarkable recovery': I-95 officially operating at full capacity

'This was a remarkable recovery': I-95 officially operating at full capacity

0:36
Sen. Bob Duff recognizes employees who worked on reopening I-95 in Norwalk

Sen. Bob Duff recognizes employees who worked on reopening I-95 in Norwalk

0:20
Bridgeport PD: Pedestrian struck by car on Seaview Avenue

Bridgeport PD: Pedestrian struck by car on Seaview Avenue

1:05
National Water Safety Month: 40,000 free swim lessons offered across tri-state area offered across tri-state area

National Water Safety Month: 40,000 free swim lessons offered across tri-state area offered across tri-state area

0:36
Sen. Blumenthal to seek emergency help for Norwalk businesses impacted by I-95 shutdown

Sen. Blumenthal to seek emergency help for Norwalk businesses impacted by I-95 shutdown

0:56
Nonprofit builders group celebrates 20th anniversary with annual fundraiser in Darien

Nonprofit builders group celebrates 20th anniversary with annual fundraiser in Darien

0:49
Mother’s Day event in Greenwich looks to empower women

Mother’s Day event in Greenwich looks to empower women

0:59
Pickleball America hosts first Dinko de Mayo Tournament

Pickleball America hosts first Dinko de Mayo Tournament

2:15
Turn To Tara explores how to stay safe from ‘cyber kidnapping’ scams

Turn To Tara explores how to stay safe from ‘cyber kidnapping’ scams

Connecticut National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

Connecticut National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

0:42
Texas, prolific retired Connecticut State Police K-9, dies from illness

Texas, prolific retired Connecticut State Police K-9, dies from illness

0:44
Handball tournament honors former Bridgeport state representative

Handball tournament honors former Bridgeport state representative

0:30
Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

2:06
New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

0:34
State police: Merging car collided with tanker to cause I-95 overpass fire

State police: Merging car collided with tanker to cause I-95 overpass fire