Statement Of U.S. Attorney Damian Williams On The Conviction Of John Costanzo And Manuel Recio
John Costanzo and Manuel Recio, former DEA agents, were convicted by a unanimous jury for trafficking sensitive law enforcement information in exchange for cash and financial benefits.
John Costanzo, a DEA Special Agent on leave, and Manuel Recio, a former DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, were convicted of trafficking sensitive law enforcement information, including the timing of sealed indictments and arrests, in exchange for cash and financial benefits. Their actions endangered public safety and compromised ongoing investigations, potentially putting DEA agents and others at risk. The charges centered on public corruption and conspiracy, with both defendants found guilty following a trial.
John Costanzo, a DEA Special Agent on leave, and Manuel Recio, a former DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, were convicted by a unanimous jury for trafficking sensitive, non-public law enforcement information in exchange for cash and financial benefits. The information trafficked included details on sealed indictments and arrest timelines, which endangered public safety by compromising ongoing investigations and potentially putting DEA agents and others at risk. The case, prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, centered on egregious breaches of trust within federal law enforcement. The charges involved conspiracy and bribery related to the illegal sale of confidential information. Both defendants were found guilty, underscoring the Department of Justice’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption among law enforcement officers. The conviction highlights the severity of their breach of trust and the importance of upholding integrity within law enforcement agencies. The outcome of the trial demonstrates the commitment of the Department of Justice to holding accountable those who engage in corrupt activities, even within the ranks of law enforcement.
Extracted insights
- person John Costanzo ×2
- person Manuel Recio ×2
- person damian williams
- organization Department of Justice
- person nicholas biase
- person unanimous jury
- organization U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District Of New York
- John Costanzo trafficked Sensitive, Non-Public, Confidential Law Enforcement Information
- Manuel Recio trafficked Sensitive, Non-Public, Confidential Law Enforcement Information
- John Costanzo and Manuel Recio endangered Public Safety
- Unanimous Jury convicted Recio and Costanzo
- John Costanzo disclosed Timing of Sealed Indictments and Arrests
- Manuel Recio disclosed Timing of Sealed Indictments and Arrests
Press Release Statement Of U.S. Attorney Damian Williams On The Conviction Of John Costanzo And Manuel Recio Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Share FacebookLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the “external link” icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. XLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the “external link” icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. LinkedInLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the “external link” icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. Email For Immediate Release U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York “John Costanzo, a DEA Special Agent on leave, and Manuel Recio, a former DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, trafficked sensitive, non-public, confidential law enforcement information in exchange for cash and other valuable financial benefits. In doing so, they endangered public safety by disclosing the timing of sealed indictments and arrests of DEA targets. Moments ago, Recio and Costanzo were convicted by a unanimous jury for their brazen violation of the public’s trust and for providing information that could have put their former colleagues and others in harm’s way. This case underscores that corruption in the ranks of any law enforcement agency will be met with zero tolerance, and we stand with the overwhelming majority of law enforcement officers who carry out their service with integrity and honor.” Contact Nicholas Biase (212) 637-2600 Updated November 8, 2023 Topic Public Corruption Component USAO - New York, Southern Press Release Number: 23-384
Press Release Statement Of U.S. Attorney Damian Williams On The Conviction Of John Costanzo And Manuel Recio Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Share FacebookLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the “external link” icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. XLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the “external link” icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. LinkedInLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the “external link” icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. Email For Immediate Release U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York “John Costanzo, a DEA Special Agent on leave, and Manuel Recio, a former DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, trafficked sensitive, non-public, confidential law enforcement information in exchange for cash and other valuable financial benefits. In doing so, they endangered public safety by disclosing the timing of sealed indictments and arrests of DEA targets. Moments ago, Recio and Costanzo were convicted by a unanimous jury for their brazen violation of the public’s trust and for providing information that could have put their former colleagues and others in harm’s way. This case underscores that corruption in the ranks of any law enforcement agency will be met with zero tolerance, and we stand with the overwhelming majority of law enforcement officers who carry out their service with integrity and honor.” Contact Nicholas Biase (212) 637-2600 Updated November 8, 2023 Topic Public Corruption Component USAO - New York, Southern Press Release Number: 23-384