(Provided) A 46 . "Ive also left them with a shattered legacy and the stain of being a convicted felon," the former district attorney said. He said he feared he or his family would be falsely accused of a crime if he testified honestly about Loebs beating. A scandal sent a Long Island police chief to prison. Now it's brought Their behavior was outrageous, and their sentences today prove as much. Acting Eastern District U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn Kasulis said in a statement after Tuesday's sentencing hearing that justice had been served after "reprehensible violations of the public trust" by the defendants. Local law enforcement eyewitnesses had been frightened into silence, as they feared retaliation against themselves and their families from within the Suffolk County Police Department and the District Attorneys Office.". The sentences stem from the defendants December 17, 2019 convictions following a six-week federal jury trial; they were convicted on all four counts of the indictment including conspiracy to tamper with witnesses and obstruct an official proceeding; witness tampering; obstruction of justice; and being accessories after-the-fact to former Suffolk County Police Department Chief of Department James Burkes "deprivation of a prisoners civil rights," the U.S. Attorney of the Eastern District of New York said in a release. In particular, Mr. Burke hated one of the police officials, Pat Cuff, who had conducted the internal investigation against him in the 1990s, witnesses said. Three other police detectives had been in the room participating in the beating, and it was imperative that they all stuck to the same story. Without recordings of conversations, the trial hinged largely on the testimony of one witness: James Hickey, a former police commander who worked in Mr. Spotas inner circle. My family will forever be marked by my disgrace, Spota saidmoments before being sentenced. He entered private law practice in Suffolk, representing clients including the Suffolk Detectives Association and other law enforcement unions.[7]. With todays sentences, justice has been served and the defendants have learned the consequences of their crimes, just like anyone else who has broken the law.". Mr. Burkes relationship with Mr. Spota began in 1979, when Mr. Spota was a young prosecutor trying a murder case, and Mr. Burke, then a teenager, was his star witness. Spota and. The testimony exposed an alarming culture of corruption and retribution in a county with about 2,500 police officers, one of the largest police departments in the United States. But the investigation escalated again in 2015 with more subpoenas. [15][16] Spota resigned from office on November 10, 2017. Senator Flanagan And District Attorney Spota Join Families To Call For Spota, 80, is now an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut. In December 2012, then-Chief of the SCPD, James Burke the highest-ranking uniformed police official in Suffolk County physically and verbally assaulted a shackled prisoner, Christopher Loeb, who was under arrest and being held in an interrogation room at the 4th Precinct in Hauppauge, New York. Loeb had broken into Burkes official police vehicle and stolen his gun belt and ammunition, and a duffel bag containing cigars, sex toys, prescription Viagra and pornography. ', Long Island Siblings Saved By Heart Transplants Beat COVID. Feds seek lengthy prison terms for corrupt former Suffolk County DA Proving obstruction of justice required the government to present evidence that the defendants acted with a corrupt purpose, a high legal bar. With todays sentences, justice has been served and the defendants have learned the consequences of their crimes, just like anyone else who has broken the law. [5], Spota was born in 1941 and grew up in New Hyde Park, New York, on Long Island. Previously, he served as news editor of Stony Brooks student newspaper, The Statesman, and was a member of the campuss chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. "These men were the highest ranking prosecutors in Suffolk County and they flagrantly disregarded the law and the sanctity of their public office to protect an equally high-ranking, lawless police officer," she added. She said that Burke had pleaded guilty quickly after his separate arrest and that, as prosecutors, Spota and McPartland were supposed to be an "essential bulwark against police misconduct.". [11] Spota was called to testify before the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary on September 9, 2003, at a hearing concerning "Pornography, Technology, and Process: Problems and Solutions on Peer-to-Peer Networks." Azrack said no one is above the law. Former Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas J. Spota and Government The verdict was a hard-fought victory for the federal prosecutors and the F.B.I., whose investigation faced setbacks for years. I met with the Mrs. Lucero, the mother. (718) 254-6323. Later that morning, a man was arrested with the stolen goods. They depicted Burke as Spotas "professional child of sorts" and a wise elder who told a golf buddy after Burkes conviction that he shouldnt sympathize with the wayward cop because he "did it to himself.". Courtesy of Pixabay. He said the criminal justice system in Suffolk isn't just broken, but corrupt by design. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy. Is the Riverhead IDA serving the publics interest? Former Suffolk District Attorney Thomas Spota and a former top aide, Christopher McPartland, joined the ranks of the nation's incarcerated felons Friday after surrendering at separate federal. ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream, Earth warming likely to pass limit set by international leaders, Street racing hit-and run crash leaves woman dead, man hurt in Brooklyn, police say, Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts. Leto retired in 2015, later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to obstruct justice and now is awaiting sentencing. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, a jury found the ex-district attorney guilty, Off-duty NYPD cop dies after LI car crash: sources, LI bouncer covered security camera before brutal beating that led to bar patrons death, Long Island nurse arrested after slamming newborn into bassinet: Suffolk DA, Here are the wild animals that a NY lawmaker wants to ban from homes. Burke pleaded guilty to civil rights violations and conspiracy to obstruct justice in February of 2016 and was sentenced to 46 months in prison. "The verdict today confirms what I said on May 12, 2016 when I stood on the steps of the district attorney's office calling on him to resign that Tom Spota, along with Christopher McPartland, was running a criminal enterprise out of the district attorney's office," Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said in 2019. They ruined lives and destroyed careers. The survival of local journalism depends on your support. The anonymous communication had issued a warning about Burkes internal affairs history, and made reference to a prostitute stealing Burkes service weapon. Former Long Island Prosecutors Sentenced in Plot to Protect Police It was testimony from James Hickey, a retired Suffolk police lieutenant, that formed the heart of the governments case. Burke became a Suffolk cop and was promoted to sergeant; a 1995 department probe found that he had a sexual relationship with a prostitute who sold drugs, according to Newsday. In a rage, Chief Burke kicked and punched him. ALSO READ | Earth warming likely to pass limit set by international leaders. "Thomas Spota and Christopher McPartland are guilty of ruining the lives of so many other families. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/17/nyregion/tom-spota-trial-verdict.html. [1] Spota and McPartland were convicted in December 2019 on counts of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and civil rights violations. Loeb's three-year prison sentence was vacated after Burke pleaded guilty. "To see any old man live the rest of his life in a prison cell, possibly dying in jail, that kinda sucks but you have to be accountable for what you did," Loeb added after court. Spota was also ordered to pay a $100,000 fine. But Spota, who knew of Burkes police disciplinary history, responded to the allegation by saying Burkes off-duty firearm was taken in a pattern of burglaries in his neighborhood, prosecutors told jurors. Anyone can read what you share. A year later prosecutors from U.S. Attorneys Long Island criminal division reopened the investigation. Film Extras: Interview with Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas J Word of a reopened probe panicked Spota, according to Hickeys testimony. LONG ISLAND, NY Former Suffolk County District Attorney Tom Spota, 79, and his chief investigator, found guilty of obstruction by a jury in 2019 for covering up an incident during which a man. Copyright 2023 Newsday. I met with them after the indictments and before it was announced publicly what the results of the indictment were. Lock Lawyers for Spoto and McPartland, 55, had argued home confinement was a more appropriate sentence. Former Suffolk DA Thomas Spota, ex-top aide now in prison, federal McPartland also asked the judge to consider how a severe punishment would impact his family and the suffering he said they already have endured. THOMAS J. SPOTA Burke pleaded guilty in February 2016 to violating punch victim Christopher Loeb's civil rights and obstructing justice for leading a conspiracy to conceal his involvement in the assault. He was convicted of obstruction, witness tampering, and conspiracy charges in December 2019 [17] and disbarred in June 2020. Mr. Spota set out to protect and defend Chief Burke, as he had before over a 40-year friendship, prosecutors said. They ruined lives and destroyed careers. This story has been shared 121,843 times. An official website of the United States government. They were accompanied by other members of the Hispanic community. The cover-up of Chief Burkes assault, witnesses at trial said, was part of a broader pattern. Expand. "Because of their obstructive efforts, the federal investigation was unsuccessful and was closed approximately eight months later. Together, Mr. Spota, Mr. McPartland and Chief Burke controlled what amounted to a law-enforcement fiefdom in the eastern half of Long Island, prosecutors said. Spota and Burke had a kinship that dated to the ex-chief's teenage years in the late 1970s, when he was a star witness in a murder case that Spota was prosecuting. After the assault, Burke ordered high-ranking lieutenants of the SCPD to ensure that the detectives and officers who had witnessed the assault would never reveal what they had observed. Spota added that he felt deep anguish for the shame his conviction brought to his family. The star prosecution witness said during the trial that he began drinking while under extreme pressure to keep his intelligence unit detectives quiet about the Loeb beating. ', Long Island Siblings Saved By Heart Transplants Beat COVID. HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The families of four victims killed in hit-and-run crashes in Suffolk County called on Albany on Tuesday to enact tougher sentences for drivers who flee the scene. Having served as the Suffolk County D.A. Chief Burke thought nobody would believe his word over the police chiefs, according to witness testimony. Current Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy Sini said in a statement following the sentencings, "The actions of these defendants represent the worst of law enforcement.". On Tuesday, after the verdict was read, Mr. Loeb, the man who was assaulted by the police chief, poked his head into the emptying courtroom. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. [10] Burke physically and verbally assaulted a shackled prisoner, Christopher Loeb, in an interrogation room in Hauppauge after Loeb broke into Burkes police vehicle and stole his gun belt and ammunition, and several personal items including cigars, sex toys and pornography. While doing so, Azrack said Spota did "incalculable damage" to the criminal justice system after "not a momentary lapse" in judgment but a yearslong conspiracy that included threats against witnesses. In it, Spota raved about Burkes "outstanding leadership" in response to an anonymous letter that had surfaced as selection was underway for a new police chief. Loeb, the abused prisoner, also spoke in court Tuesday, telling the judge that Spota "should spend the rest of his life behind bars." Not out of the woods: Lawyers want right to go after Tiger Woman has 'loud, full body orgasm' in the middle of LA concert, All the red carpet highlights and star-studded fashionfrom the Karl Lagerfeld-themed Met Gala, Bride killed, groom seriously hurt by drunk driver just minutes after leaving reception, After legal weed, NYC's once-wild 4/20 party just another boring street fair, How a retired detective snared his seventh 'Torso Killer' confession, Kim Kardashian, Pete Davidson reunite at Met Gala 9 months after breakup, Rihannas Met Gala bridal look makes fan question if she married A$AP Rocky, Inside Met Gala 2023: See celebs let loose at extravagant dinner, Khristina Williams previews the New York Liberty's 2023 WNBA season, Katy Perry will be temporarily replaced on 'American Idol' amid drama. The obstruction initially worked, thwarting federal agents for several months. In 2001, Spota won his first election as district attorney with the backing of police unions while campaigning on an anti-corruption platform. But a few months later, in early 2013, Mr. Loebs lawyer publicly accused the police of assault, triggering a civil rights investigation. Email: alek@riverheadlocal.com. Updated. A Long Island jury on Tuesday found former Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota guilty of obstructing a federal probe into a police chief who bashed a handcuffed prisoner over stolen porn . They were accused of helping cover up the 2012 police beating of a prisoner suspected of stealing sex toys and other items from a police chiefs vehicle. .We need to remain focused on continuing our progress and ensuring that the days of the past never happen again.. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Boeckmann said in court Tuesday that Spota still hadn't apologized for actions that had "an absolute chilling effect" on the county's criminal justice system and implored the judge to impose prison time. Krantz cited what he said was McPartlands history of public service and good deeds, calling him a loving husband and father and someone who worked his way through college and law school before earning accolades throughout his career. Already a lame duck for foregoing a re-election bid, Spota announced his retirement just days after he was charged amid growing pressure from politicians and the public. Mr. Hickey testified that he was ordered to instruct his men to deny, deny, deny. Mr. Spota and the others involved in the cover-up handpicked one of the three officers, Anthony Leto, to lie under oath about the assault during a court hearing, Mr. Hickey said. The government also claimed McPartland was the "architect of the lies," helping Burke craft a story about Loeb being a "junkie thief" who fabricated his tale of an assault a script everyone who became part of the conspiracy had to follow. [18] Spota's sentencing was delayed multiple times but he was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison and a $100,000 fine on August 10, 2021.[5]. Thomas Spota and one his top aides in the Suffolk County district attorney's office, Christopher McPartland, were convicted in December 2019 on counts of conspiracy, obstruction of justice . The sentencing guidelines are the subject of an oral argument set for June 30, federal officials told Patch.