New Cassel corruption trial continues
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Long Island's latest crime and police reports On trial are former Nassau County legislators Patrick Williams, 63, of Uniondale, and Roger Corbin, 65, of Westbury, North Hempstead's former Community Development Agency director Neville Mullings, 70, of Westbury, and the town's former building and planning commissioner, David Wasserman, 53, of Roslyn Heights.
The men were indicted in July 2010 on allegations of fraud, official misconduct and taking the proceeds of a public project, after a three-year investigation by District Attorney Kathleen Rice.
Joel Weiss, Wasserman's attorney, told jurors the district attorney's office will use "contorted paperwork gymnastics" to paint a picture of wrongdoing. "It's going to be diversionary," Weiss said. "It's going to be utterly illogical."
In her opening statements, Assistant District Attorney Teresa Corrigan alleged that the quartet steered development work as part of the $80-million New Cassel revitalization project to a developer in exchange for $400,000 in bribes.
Wasserman is not accused of taking money but taking part in bid-rigging and other actions to maintain his power structure at the CDA, where he also served as chairman.
"There is going to be an utter failure of proof in regards to David Wasserman," Weiss said.
Corrigan accused the men of providing insider information to certain developers, including Ranjan Batheja, who was arrested on bribery charges in February 2010 in connection with the case and is cooperating with the district attorney's office.
But Mullings' attorney, Frederick Brewington, said a 2002 visioning process about needs in New Cassel revealed what residents, policy makers and community leaders wanted for the underserved hamlet. Those included a bank, grocery store and mixed-use developments -- which were part of Batheja's bid years later to take over three parcels.
It was no secret to anyone, he said.
Brewington told jurors not to believe Batheja, whom he called a thief, liar and cheater. "He has, under threats of intimidation, agreed to say whatever the prosecution wants to save his own hide."
Attorneys for Williams and Corbin gave their opening statements Wednesday.
The trial continues in Nassau County Supreme Court on Thursday afternoon, when the first witness is expected to begin testifying.
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