Smithtown developer pleads guilty in bribery case
Criminal Law
A Smithtown developer pleaded guilty to a felony bribery charge yesterday - the second person to admit guilt and agree to cooperate in a widening building department corruption probe that has rocked town government.
Robert Fitzpatrick, 55, of Bayport, pleaded guilty to third-degree bribery before Suffolk County Court Judge Martin Efman. He was released on his own recognizance until his sentencing on July 14.
As part of a plea deal, Fitzpatrick faces a reduced maximum sentence of 1 to 3 years in prison, or as little as no jail time at all.
Prosecutor Kevin Ward said Fitzpatrick admitted to offering a $5,000 bribe to then-chief building inspector Robert Bonerba in March 2003 in connection with a house being built by Smithtown developer Frank Esposito.
Ward said Fitzpatrick lied on building permits for the developer's house to save money on permit fees and avoid a higher tax liability.
Rocking back and forth in brown loafers and with his hands folded neatly in front of his blue sport coat, Fitzpatrick said only "Yes" and "No" before the judge during the plea.
Related listings
-
Smithtown contractor admits to bribe
Criminal Law 04/28/2008A Smithtown contractor pleaded guilty to a felony bribery charge on Monday -- the second person to admit guilt and agree to cooperate in a widening buildings department corruption probe that has rocked town government. Robert Fitzpatrick, 55, of Bayp...
-
Can murder victim's statements be used at trial?
Criminal Law 04/21/2008Dwayne Giles complains that his former girlfriend's statements should not have been used against him at his murder trial because the woman couldn't be cross-examined.Her absence wasn't a result of a scheduling conflict. She was dead. And Giles killed...
-
Hunt on for Clues in Times Square Blast
Criminal Law 03/07/2008Authorities on Friday were investigating whether an explosion at the Times Square military recruiting office was connected to strikingly similar bombings at two foreign consulates in New York, but ruled out a link to mysterious letters sent to Capito...
Victorville CA DUI defense Attorneys
The outcome of a DUI defense will have a long-term effect on anyone’s life, making the decision to receive legal representation an easy one. The fact is, most people accused of a DUI are first offenders with no criminal background. Whether this is your first run in with the law or you have had previous convictions, you are in need of a DUI defense attorney.
The charges you are facing for a DUI range from fines, a 12-month suspension on your license and worst-case scenario, prison time. Your attorney will be able to analyze your situation to decide the best way to go about your case.
Our attorneys know the tricky ways to challenge all of the DUI tests and know how to claim improper collection of evidence. We will be able to negotiate on your behalf and free you from charges and help you keep your drivers license. The DUI process can last up to several months, we can make this process easier on you. .