Primary Fraud

Andrew DeStefano and his attorney Pat Bonanno leave court Monday afternoon. Andrew DeStefano sought the office for Putnam’s chief lawman, yet this same NYPD career law enforcement officer pleaded guilty on Monday to charges that he filed fraudulent signatures in connection with last month’s bitter Sheriff’s GOP Primary.

DeStefano appeared with his attorney, Pat Bonanno, in Southeast Town Court, where he was arraigned on charges of Offering a False Instrument for Filing as well as committing Misconduct in Relation to Petitions.

DeStefano, a Patterson resident who withdrew from the race just days before the primary, offered guilty pleas to both charges before Southeast Town Judge Robert Vercollone and was sentenced to a $1,000 fine, 100 hours of community service, and is being prohibited from running for any political office for the next 5 years.

District Attorney Adam Levy commended members of the New York State Police for conducting a “complete, thorough, and methodical investigation that resulted in Mr. DeStefano’s arrest. Working in conjunction with my office, hundreds of pages of documents were reviewed, along with dozens of witnesses being interviewed. . . [DeStefano] took full responsibility for his actions and apologized to his supporters, his family, and the community for this breach of their trust.”

Assistant District Attorney Mary Jane MacCrae represented the District Attorney at the court proceeding late Monday afternoon.

Outside the courthouse, MacCrae said the incident reminded us all that “no one is above the law. Certain individuals who become involved in politics can become so involved that they don’t understand laws must always be obeyed. Rules exist to keep everyone honest. This incident proves that the system works. When an individual does the wrong thing, he or she will be caught and punished.”

Bonanno also conducted an impromptu news conference outside the court after DeStefano refused to talk to reporters and drove away.

Bonanno called the day “regretful for Mr. DeStefano and his family. This is a classic example of when good and honorable people make bad choices in life. My client has admitted his culpability for this unfortunate incident.”

When asked by the Courier if the case was more disturbing because Mr. DeStefano was running for the top law enforcement position in Putnam County, Bonanno replied: “I don’t know if the case is more disturbing or not. It is most unfortunate that this honorable man, who got involved in the franticness and zealousness of a political campaign made an irrational and poor decision that he normally would not have made. Having known Mr. DeStefano and his family and those who surrounded him in the campaign, this was the case. There had been no thought process of criminal activity committed. This was a lapse in judgment that resulted in great embarrassment. As we go through life, we all experience embarrassing moments. This was Mr. DeStefano’s.”

DeStefano’s downfall came when forged signatures were found on his independent nominating petitions filed with the Board of Elections. Several individuals questioned by police reported never signing the official documents, even though their names had been included.

DeStefano withdrew from the contest six days before the election and issued a statement indicating that a dire family emergency had forced his withdrawal from the race against Sheriff Donald Smith and a second challenger James Borkowski.

DeStefano, whose name remained on the ballot, came in a distant third in the primary won by Sheriff Smith.