Mangano corruption retrial could last 5 to 7 weeks, jury questionnaire says

Edward and Linda Mangano are seen outside federal court in... — Edward and Linda Mangano are seen outside federal court in Central Islip on May 31 during the first trial. Credit: James Carbone

By Robert E. KesslerRobert.Kessler@newsday.comJanuary 14, 2019

The corruption re-trial of former Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and his wife Linda is expected to last five to seven weeks, according to an extensive questionnaire to be used for jury selection in the case Wednesday.

The previous trial of the Manganos, along with Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, ended in May after 12 weeks of trial and jury deliberations. Venditto was acquitted and the case against the Manganos resulted in a mistrial. Prosecutors had estimated that the initial trial would last just eight weeks.

The questionnaire, obtained by Newsday, asks potential jurors for personal information and whether they know anyone involved in the trial -- including prosecutors, defense attorneys, potential witnesses, and anyone else mentioned in connection with the trial.

It will be used by the presiding judge, U.S. District Judge Joan Azrack, and the attorneys to screen potential jurors for bias and ability to serve for the length of the trial during selection of the panel, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

Opening statements in the trial are scheduled for Jan. 22.

The questionnaire essentially matched the one used in screening jurors for the initial trial.

For example, one of the names listed was that of New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, whom federal prosecutors investigated for his relationship with the key government witness in the Mangano case, the couple’s longtime friend, restaurateur Harendra Singh.

Prosecutors did not charge de Blasio with any wrongdoing; he has denied any improprieties, and Azrack has essentially ruled out involvement of the mayor in the Manganos’ trial.

Among the questions potential jurors were asked was if they had “strong opinions about Nassau County government, or about politicians in general . . . [or] prosecutors and defense attorneys . . . that might make it difficult to be a fair and impartial juror in this case?”

They were also asked whether they could be fair and impartial because of “the nature of the case, including the identity of the defendants or the fact that the case involves accusations of bribery” involving an elected official.

The defense for all three defendants in the initial trial did not call witnesses, while the government presented 60 witnesses, including star witness Singh, who was on the stand for 13 days.

The Manganos are being retried on the same charges.

Edward Mangano is charged with seven felony counts, including federal program bribery, honest-services wire fraud, extortion and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Linda Mangano is charged with five felony counts, including conspiracy to obstruct justice, obstruction of justice, and making false statements to the FBI.

Sample questions for jurors

Do you have any strong opinions about Nassau County government, or about politicians in general, that might make it difficult for you to be fair and impartial juror in this case?
Some of the witnesses in this case may be individuals who were involved in crimes themselves, including the offenses charged against the defendants. Some of the witnesses, who may be referred to during trial as cooperating witnesses, may have pleaded guilty to crimes and may testify pursuant to agreements with the government in hopes that their own sentences will be reduced. Some of these witnesses also agreed to cooperate with the government in exchange for not being charged, or were granted immunity and ordered to testify. Use of these types of witnesses is permitted under the law. Do you have any strong feelings about the use of such witnesses that might interfere with your ability to be a fair and impartial juror in this case?
Have you or anyone close to you ever made a contribution to, attended a rally or event for, volunteered, or worked for any of Edward Mangano's campaigns for elected office (Nassau County Legislature, County Executive)?