Edward and Linda Mangano arrive at federal court in Central...

Edward and Linda Mangano arrive at federal court in Central Islip on Thursday. Credit: James Carbone

What happened in the first trial?

Edward and Linda Mangano’s first trial on corruption charges took place over 12 weeks from March to May last year, with former Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto as a codefendant. Venditto was acquitted of all charges, while the jury was unable to reach verdicts for the Manganos. The trial featured former Mangano friend and restaurateur Harendra Singh as the star witness. Prosecutors argued that Singh bribed Mangano and Venditto for favors, while Mangano’s defense said Singh was merely a generous friend of many years who got nothing in return from the former county executive.

What can we expect in the retrial?

This trial is expected to be a slimmed down version of the first. Venditto won’t be a defendant, but Singh and many others featured in the first trial will be present. Jurors have been told it will last 5 to 7 weeks, but in the first trial jurors were told to expect 8 weeks and got 12.

What's the difference this time around?

Apart from the absence of Venditto, the main difference this time is that the defense now has access to more evidence from wiretaps and emails relating to Singh' credibility. As a result, the cross-examination of Singh, which lasted eight days in the first trial, could be even more contentious this time around.

Will this be the last trial?

You never know. This one could end in a hung jury or another type of mistrial. If there’s a conviction, it may be appealed.

What charges are they facing?

Edward Mangano faces seven counts that include charges of federal program bribery, honest-services wire fraud, extortion and conspiracy to obstruct justice, all in relation to favors that prosecutors say he did for Singh in return for bribes. Linda Mangano faces five counts that include conspiracy to obstruct justice, obstruction of justice and making false statements to the FBI -- all in relation to the agency's probe of what prosecutors say was her no-show job with Singh and how she described it to investigators.

Will Grayson Meak faceoff against Devin Downes in counties? Meanwhile North Babylon’s Jasmine McKay hoops it up and there's history on the mat in Nassau County in Episode 2 of "Sarra Sounds Off."  Credit: Mario Gonzalez

 SARRA SOUNDS OFF: Wrestling, North Babylon hoops and more! Will Grayson Meak faceoff against Devin Downes in counties? Meanwhile North Babylon's Jasmine McKay hoops it up and there's history on the mat in Nassau County in Episode 2 of "Sarra Sounds Off." 

Will Grayson Meak faceoff against Devin Downes in counties? Meanwhile North Babylon’s Jasmine McKay hoops it up and there's history on the mat in Nassau County in Episode 2 of "Sarra Sounds Off."  Credit: Mario Gonzalez

 SARRA SOUNDS OFF: Wrestling, North Babylon hoops and more! Will Grayson Meak faceoff against Devin Downes in counties? Meanwhile North Babylon's Jasmine McKay hoops it up and there's history on the mat in Nassau County in Episode 2 of "Sarra Sounds Off." 

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