A federal judge in New York sentenced a former DEA agent to four years in prison for leaking agency intelligence to defense lawyers in exchange for bribes. John Costanzo Jr., a supervisor at the DEA, was found guilty of bribery and honest-services wire fraud. The judge noted that Costanzo, who worked in Miami and DEA headquarters, knew his actions were wrong. Costanzo expressed regret before sentencing, acknowledging his wrongdoing.
Prosecutors sought a seven-year sentence, emphasizing Costanzo’s abuse of his position and skills. They described his actions as motivated by greed and a betrayal of law enforcement principles. The case relied on text messages and wiretapped calls between Costanzo and another former DEA supervisor, Manny Recio, who retired in 2018.
Attorneys David Macey and Luis Guerra allegedly funded the bribery scheme and used leaked information to secure clients facing drug charges. The DEA did not comment on the case. Costanzo’s sentencing follows the conviction of another DEA agent for obstruction of justice in a separate corruption case.
The conspiracy involved queries in a DEA database, discussions about arrests, and bribe payments, including a down payment on a condo. Middlemen were used to conceal payments, and Costanzo’s father, a retired DEA agent, was implicated in the scheme. Despite letters of support from former colleagues, prosecutors highlighted the elder Costanzo’s involvement in the bribery.
Costanzo’s attorney argued for probation, citing his client’s desire to follow in his father’s footsteps. Prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of the crime and warned against illegal profiteering by public officials. The sentencing serves as a message about the consequences of such actions, according to Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams.
By Larry Neumeister, Jim Mustian, and Joshua Goodman
Please rewrite the following sentence for me.
Source link
