Edward Korona, Jr., 53, allegedly lied on four occasions to attain County jobs
MINEOLA, N.Y. – Acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced the arrest of a high-ranking County government official on charges related to false statements he allegedly made on four occasions to attain various County jobs.
Edward Korona, Jr., 53, of Hicksville, was arrested by DA investigators this morning. He is charged with four counts of Perjury (an E felony), four counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the 1st Degree (an E felony), four counts of Making an Apparently False Sworn Statement in the First Degree (an E felony), and Official Misconduct (an A misdemeanor). Nassau County District Court Judge Frank Doddato released Korona on his own recognizance. Korona faces a maximum sentence of 1-1/3 to 4 years in prison and is due back in court on Nov. 10.
Korona is Deputy Commissioner of the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management. His alleged crimes were uncovered during the course of the District Attorney’s investigation into county contracts and the contract approval process. In the context of this investigation, the qualifications and professional background of those involved in the administration of contracts may be subject to review.
“A criminal conviction should not be an absolute bar to government employment, but lying about a prior felony four times on sworn job applications is a serious offense—especially for a high-ranking official entrusted with important responsibilities,” Acting DA Singas said. “As our investigation of county contracts and the contracting process continues, we will continue to ensure that those entrusted with safeguarding the public, and public funds, are held to the high standard of integrity that the public rightly expects.”
Acting DA Singas said that during the course of her office’s ongoing investigation into county contracts and the contract approval process, it was discovered in September that Korona has a prior criminal conviction. An investigation ensued which revealed that Korona allegedly made false statements on four applications to the Nassau County Civil Service Commission between December 2007 and June 2013, while applying for various civil service positions. On each form, Korona allegedly checked off “No” to the question “Except for the above traffic offenses, have you ever been convicted of any violation, misdemeanor, or felony?” (emphasis in original). Korona’s current position in the Office of Emergency Management is appointed. He is not accused of any crimes related to contracts.
Assistant District Attorneys Andrew Weiss and Lauren McDonough of Acting DA Singas’ Public Corruption Bureau are prosecuting the case. Korona was represented at arraignment by Scott Banks, Esq.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.