New York Criminal Lawyer Blog
Earlier today, James Delayo, Michael Sackaris and Michael Pascalli, along with their NY criminal defense attorneys, were in court waiting to be arraigned on a multiple count felony indictment in New York County (Manhattan) Supreme Court involving crimes such as Bribery and Falsifying Business Records.
According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office press release:
Mr. Delayo, a former Acting Chief Inspector for Cranes and Derricks for the New York City Department of Buildings, is charged with one count of Bribe Receiving in the Second Degree, a class C felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Additionally Mr. Delayo and Mr. Sackaris are charged with 37 counts of Tampering with Public Records in the First Degree, a class D felony punishable by up to 7 years in prison; 37 counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a class E felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison; and 37 counts of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, a class E felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison.
Furthermore, Mr. Sackaris and Mr. Pascalli are charged with one count of Bribery in the Second Degree, a class C felony. Mr. Sackaris is also charged with one count of Intimidating a Victim or Witness in the Third Degree, a class E felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison. Mr. Pascalli is also charged with one count each of Tampering with Public Records in the First Degree, Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree and Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree.
Unfortunately for each of the defendants, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is staffed by diligent and skilled prosecutors who likely presented a strong case to the Grand Jury and have the ability to see the case through to trial if necessary. What may be even more concerning for these men is that although the recent crane accidents are not alleged to have been associated with the corruption, their criminal defense attorneys must make sure that they do not become scapegoats for those tragic accidents.
As a former prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and a founding member of the Identity Theft Unit after its creation, I have extensive experience investigating and analyzing cases that involve the falsification of business and public records. It certainly will be an uphill battle for these men and skilled representation is essential for them to get the best possible disposition whether that be through challenging the prosecution’s case or working out a deal.
If you find yourself in a predicament where you are charged with falsifying or forging documents, receiving or giving bribes or any similar type of case, don’t compound a bad situation by merely retaining any attorney. Jeremy Saland will use his years of experience as both a prosecutor and a NY criminal defense attorney to protect your rights, fight for your freedom and maintain your integrity.