Edward Korona, Jr., 53, allegedly lied on four occasions to attain County jobs
MINEOLA, N.Y. – Acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that a high-ranking County government official was arraigned today on a 12-count indictment on charges related to false statements he allegedly made on four occasions to attain various County jobs.
Edward Korona, Jr., 53, of Hicksville, was arraigned before Acting Supreme Court Justice Jerald Cater on four counts of Perjury in the 2nd Degree (an E felony), four counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the 1st Degree (an E felony) and four counts of Making an Apparently False Sworn Statement in the First Degree (an E felony). Judge Carter released Korona on his own recognizance. Korona faces a maximum sentence 1-1/3 to four years in prison for the top count and is due back in court on Jan. 8.
At the time of the defendant’s arrest on Oct. 15, Korona was serving as 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.
“The defendant – on separate occasions in December 2007, February 2010, April 2010 and June 2013 – allegedly lied about a felony conviction on sworn job applications with Nassau County,” Acting DA Singas said. “Integrity in government is paramount and it is a serious offense for a high-ranking official with important responsibilities to repeatedly lie about his or her criminal history.”
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 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.