NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge Wednesday sentenced a longtime U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent to four years in prison for leaking DEA intelligence to defense lawyers in a $100,000 bribery scheme that prosecutors said jeopardized drug cases and the lives of confidential informants.
John Costanzo Jr. was found guilty last year of bribery and honest-services wire fraud, joining a growing list of DEA agents convicted of federal crimes. Another former DEA supervisor, Manny Recio, is scheduled to be sentenced next month in the same case.
U.S. District Court Judge Paul Oetken, in handing down his sentence, noted that the 49-year-old Costanzo was “especially culpable” as a supervisor because he “knew what he was doing was wrong.”
Costanzo, addressing the judge before sentencing, expressed regret for his actions. “This is my cross to bear,” he said. “I will try to find a silver lining in all of this.”
Air Rwanda: Which airline will deport migrants on a one
Vibrant festival highlights cultural charm of various Chinese ethnic groups
Lou Groza Award winner Graham Nicholson transferring to Alabama
China's power use up 7.4 pct in March
Macron takes part in charity soccer game, showing off sporting prowess
UK sanctions Iran's leading military figures, entities
US and Philippine forces launch combat drills in the disputed South China Sea
What it's REALLY like to win the Lottery... by a couple who banked £2.2m
Dog's dining table act shocks family and leads to speculation he was a 'human in a past life'
Angela Rayner brands Rishi Sunak 'a pint
Damian Lillard sets Bucks' postseason mark with 35 points in opening half vs Pacers