CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — The Latest on the indictment of Long Island district attorney on obstruction charges. (all times local): 7:20 p.m. A lawyer for a district attorney in New York charged with obstructing a federal civil rights investigation
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — The Latest on the indictment of Long Island district attorney on obstruction charges. (all times local):
7:20 p.m.
A lawyer for a district attorney in New York charged with obstructing a federal civil rights investigation into the beating of a handcuffed prisoner by a police chief says his client denies the charges.
Democratic Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota and the chief of his anti-corruption bureau, Christopher McPartland, were arraigned Wednesday in federal court on Long Island. Both pleaded not guilty.
It’s unclear if the two will continue in their jobs as prosecutors while their cases are pending.
The charges relate to an FBI investigation that led to the conviction of former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke. He’s serving prison time for beating a man arrested for stealing items from his SUV.
Attorney Alan Vinegrad says Spota is looking forward to vindicating himself in court.
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4 p.m.
A district attorney in New York has pleaded not guilty to charges that he obstructed a federal civil rights investigation into the beating of a handcuffed prisoner by a police chief.
Democratic Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota and the chief of his anti-corruption bureau, Christopher McPartland, were arraigned Wednesday at a federal court on Long Island.
McPartland also pleaded not guilty.
A judge set bail at $500,000 each, and both are expected to be released.
It’s unclear if they’ll continue in their jobs as prosecutors while their cases are pending.
Spota appeared stoic during his court appearance. He wouldn’t comment as he left the courtroom.
The charges relate to an FBI investigation that led to the conviction of former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke.
He’s serving prison time for beating a man arrested for stealing items from his SUV.
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1:45 p.m.
A district attorney in eastern Long Island has been indicted on charges that he obstructed a federal civil rights investigation into the beating of a handcuffed prisoner by a police chief.
Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota (SPOH’-tuh) is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday on the charge.
The chief of the district attorney’s anti-corruption bureau was also indicted.
The charges relate to an FBI investigation that led to the conviction of former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke.
He’s serving prison time for beating a man arrested for stealing items from his SUV.
Spota’s attorney did not immediately return phone call and email.
A spokesman for the district attorney’s office had no comment.
Spota, a Democrat, was elected 16 years ago and is not running for re-election.
