John Venditto, Embattled Ex-Oyster Bay Supervisor, Dies: Reports

MASSAPEQUA, NY — John Venditto, the former Oyster Bay supervisor who pleaded guilty to corruption charges last year, has died, multiple media outlets reported Tuesday. Venditto was diagnosed with cancer this year, his son, Michael Venditto of Massapequa told Newsday. A wake is planned from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at Massapequa Funeral Home, Newsday reported.

Venditto served nearly 20 years as town supervisor before admitting to a felony charge of abusing his power and a misdemeanor charge of official misconduct.

In July 2019, Venditto pleaded guilty to corruption charges in a deal with prosecutors that allowed him to avoid prison time.

Madeline Singas, the Nassau County district attorney, said at the time they uncovered "pervasive corruption" in the town, where the "powerful and connected used the government to benefit themselves at the expense of the taxpayers they were sworn to serve."

Venditto was accused of illegally firing and hiring an employee. He was also implicated in a case about a local paving company that was accused of bribing town officials.

In a separate case in federal court, Venditto was found not guilty of bribery and corruption charges.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.