‘Clash of the copying machines’ probe completed in Suffolk
An outside attorney has completed a probe of allegations by Suffolk Legis. Robert Trotta that a legislative aide stole documents Trotta was copying. Credit: James Escher / James Escher
The probe of the “clash of the copying machines” is complete, but presiding officer DuWayne Gregory said he will not make the report’s recommendations public until he speaks to Legis. Robert Trotta and Democratic aide Robert Fonti sometime this week.
Gregory said outside attorney Theodore Sklar spoke to about 10 witnesses in conducting the investigation over the incident that occurred during the November meeting of the county legislature.
Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) called for Fonti’s firing and filed a police report saying the $86,014 a year aide tried to pilfer documents the lawmaker was copying. Fonti filed a complaint with the county labor relations office saying Trotta physically accosted him.
Gregory said he will meet with the two men “to determine what to do next” and said he expects to release the report’s recommendations after that meeting.
'A spark for them to escalate the fighting' A standoff between officials has stalled progress, eroded community patience and escalated the price tag for taxpayers. Newsday investigative editor Paul LaRocco and NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie report.
