Flanagan misconduct trial resumes Tuesday
Retired Nassau County Police Deputy Commissioner William Flanagan last year talks about the accusations against him where he allegedly stopped the arrest of a police benefactor's son. Credit: Newsday / Alejandra Villa
The trial of a former high-ranking Nassau police commander was adjourned until Tuesday after a juror called in sick Friday.
Testimony in William Flanagan's misconduct trial will resume with a key prosecution witness, John F. Kennedy High School Principal Lorraine Poppe. Her testimony began Thursday.
Flanagan is charged with abusing his power to stop an investigation into a burglary by the son of a police benefactor.
Poppe's testimony is critical to the prosecution's case because, while she and prosecutors say she never wavered in wanting suspect Zachary Parker arrested, Flanagan's lawyer has said it was Poppe's ambivalence about arresting Parker, not Flanagan's influence, that stopped police from arresting him.
Police never charged Parker with the theft, but Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice later presented the case directly to a grand jury and Parker was indicted. The 21-year-old Merrick man pleaded guilty in March and is serving 1 to 3 years in prison.
Flanagan faces up to 4 years in prison.
Two other police officials charged in the conspiracy will be tried separately.
Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.
Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.
