September 26, 2006

Rigano Sentenced to Prison

Former account clerk gets 2-6 years in prison

MINEOLA, NY - Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced this morning that Debra Rigano, 48, a former account clerk for the Roslyn School District, has received a sentence of two-to-six years in prison from the Honorable Alan L. Honorof in Nassau County Court.

Ms. Rigano, the niece of Pamela Gluckin, pleaded guilty in November of last year to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree. She has admitted to stealing $852,231, all of which she has been ordered by the court to pay back to the Roslyn School District. Thus far, Ms. Rigano has returned $75,000. Additional proceeds are expected to be returned upon the sale of personal assets, including a Florida home she is in joint ownership of.

Last week, Ms. Gluckin, the former Assistant Superintendent for the school district was sentenced to three-to-nine years in prison. In November 2005, Ms. Gluckin pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree.

“This case represents the most egregious betrayal of the public trust anyone could ever imagine,” said District Attorney Rice. “We in law enforcement must do more to protect both taxpayer money, and taxpayer confidence in their public servants. If there were ever a case that highlighted the need for more transparency, more accountability, it is this one.”

Frank Tassone, 59, the former Superintendent of the Roslyn School District, is scheduled to be sentenced October 4. In September 2005, Mr. Tassone pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the First and Second Degrees. He faces a maximum of 25 years in prison.

Mr. Tassone, Ms. Gluckin and Ms. Rigano are among six defendants charged in connection with the theft of more than $8 million dollars from the Roslyn School District. The investigation dates back to February of 2004 and continues to this day.

Handling the cases for the District Attorney’s Office is Assistant District Attorney Peter Mancuso, of the District Attorney’s Public Corruption Bureau. Mr. Tassone is being represented by Ed Jenks, Esq., of Garden City. Representing Ms. Gluckin is Victor Mevorah, of Garden City. Ms. Rigano is being represented by Carmello Garufi, also of Garden City.