Key figure back in spotlight in corruption trial

A corruption trial in Nassau County returned to a key figure in the case Thursday afternoon: a government witness who had been jailed for contempt by the judge.

Ranjan Batheja, a developer who finished testifying in April against four former county and North Hempstead Town officials, was shown in videotaped clips being interviewed by detective investigators from the county district attorney's office.

One of the two investigators, Joshua Genn, testified about two sets of snippets: one prepared by the defense and previously seen by the jury, and another prepared by the prosecution.

Genn testified he was "frustrated" during the three-hour interview in September 2008 at what he considered Batheja's reluctance to be forthcoming about a series of checks he gave to then-Legis. Roger Corbin of Westbury.

Genn described how Batheja was asked to make a call to Corbin and set up a meeting at which Batheja secretly recorded their conversation. Genn said he suggested Batheja tell Corbin that a bank was aware of the payments in an attempt to get the lawmaker on tape speaking about the checks.

Prosecutors allege the checks were part of a scheme to steer work on a major New Cassel redevelopment project to Batheja in exchange for $400,000 in bribes and other payments. Corbin's attorney contends Corbin was paid for consultant work.

As part of another case stemming from the trial, Batheja's attorney, Douglas Reda, of Woodbury, said Batheja would not have to complete a 30-day sentence handed down by acting Supreme Court Justice Alan Honorof on contempt charges.

Reda said he had reached a settlement with the state attorney general's office, which represents judges. The office did not return a call seeking comment.

On April 26, Honorof found Batheja to be in criminal contempt for being evasive on the stand. Honorof fined Batheja $1,000 and had him taken into custody. The judge ruled that despite repeated warnings, Batheja had "persistently, flagrantly and repeatedly" refused to answer questions. Batheja had admitted that he lied under oath to the jury in his previous testimony.

On April 30, the Appellate Division granted a stay of Honorof's order and ordered Batheja's release from jail, Reda said.

Under the agreement, Reda said the court would vacate the remainder of the jail sentence, Batheja would pay the fine and Batheja would not sue over the contempt ruling.

Earlier Thursday, during arguments held outside the jury's presence, Honorof said he had suggested to the jury that it not believe "a single word" that Batheja said.