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MINEOLA---Another former official in the Roslyn School District scandal has been sentenced to prison after admitting to stealing over $850,000 from the school district.
Debra Rigano, 48, a former account clerk for the Roslyn School District, has been sentenced to two to six years in state prison by Nassau County Court Judge Alan Honorof.
Rigano, niece of Pamela Gluckin, pleaded guilty last November to second degree grand larceny, admitting to stealing $852,231, all of which she has been ordered by the court to pay back to the Roslyn School District. Thus far, Rigano has returned $75,000. Additional proceeds are expected to be returned upon the sale of personal assets, including a Florida home of which she has joint ownership.
Last week, Ms. Gluckin, the former assistant superintendent for the school district was sentenced to three-to-nine years in prison. In November 2005, Gluckin also pleaded guilty to second degree grand larceny.
"This case represents the most egregious betrayal of the public trust anyone could ever imagine," said District Attorney Kathleen Rice. "We in law enforcement must do more to protect both taxpayer money, and taxpayer confidence in their public servants. If there were ever a case that highlighted the need for more transparency, more accountability, it is this one."
Frank Tassone, 59, former Roslyn superintendent, is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 4. In September 2005, Tassone pleaded guilty to first and second degree grand larceny. He faces a maximum of 25 years in prison.
Tassone, Gluckin and Rigano are among six defendants charged in connection with the theft of more than $8 million from the Roslyn School District. The investigation dates back to February of 2004 and continues.
9-26-06
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© 2006 North
Country Gazette
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