McGowan, who had served as supervisor since 1993, pleaded guilty to
grand larceny, tampering with a witness, bribe receiving, and filing a
false instrument.
As part of his plea agreement, McGowan will surrender his $1.1 million
campaign fund. Spota said his office will endeavor to return the money
to McGowan's donors, or possibly to the town of Islip.
Authorities said McGowan dipped into the campaign fund for more than
$30,000 in personal expenses including a vacation to Ireland, numerous
trips to Florida, restaurant tabs in the Hamptons and elsewhere and
spa visits for massages.
McGowan also admitted taking $52,000 in kickbacks from a vendor who
did work with the campaign and telling a witness to lie to a grand
jury investigating him.
He is expected to receive one to three years in prison when he is
sentenced on May 4.
From The Associated Press, 3/10/06:
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--supervisor-scanda0310mar10,0,2280122.story?coll=ny-region-apnewyork
Long Island politician pleads guilty to misusing campaign funds
By FRANK ELTMAN
Associated Press Writer
RIVERHEAD, N.Y. --
Once considered one of Long Island's most powerful Republicans, Peter
McGowan now faces time in prison after pleading guilty to four
corruption charges and admitting he stole tens of thousands of dollars
from his campaign and spent the money on vacations, massages and
restaurant tabs in the Hamptons.
"He was stealing money from his campaign funds, and quite frankly
using the money to sustain a lavish lifestyle," Suffolk County
District Attorney Thomas Spota said Thursday.
"It was almost like a year-long Mardi Gras party."
_____________________________________________________
Another day another Republican scandal.
Harry
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