D'Esposito Now Accused Of Hiring Nassau Family Members: Report

ISLAND PARK, NY — On the heels of a damning report by the New York Times claiming Rep. Anthony D'Esposito engaged in unethical hiring practices, Newsday has found more instances of allegedly using his position to place family members of Nassau Republicans on payroll.

The latest report claims D'Esposito hired at least three other people through his congressional office who have strong connections to promiment players in Nassau GOP politics, Newsday said.

According to Newsday, D'Esposito's former scheduler, Ashley Sapraicone, is the daughter of Republican Senate candidate Mike Sapraicone. Like D'Esposito, Mike Sapraicone is a former NYPD detective.

An intern for D'Esposito, Aidan Driscoll, is the son of Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes, Jeanine Driscoll. The junior Driscoll was a paid intern in the congressman's Washington office, according to Newsday.

Additionally, Jill Ann Ryder is listed as a part-time employee for D'Esposito, Newsday said. She is the wife Nassau police commissioner Patrick Ryder.

"If this isn’t a violation of ethics rules, I don’t know what is," Jay Jacobs, Nassau Democratic Chairman, told Patch.

"GOP control of the County has resulted in Nassau being similarly afflicted with corruption and cronyism problems. It’s widely known that no one gets a job without being a Republican insider," Jody Kass, with Nassau Residents for Good Government, said.

The Times reported that the congressman allegedly placed an ex-girlfriendand his fiancee's daughter on the government's payroll.

Patch attempted to get an updated response from D'Esposito's office, but in a statement on Tuesday he didn't deny the allegations:

"My personal life has never interfered with my ability to deliver results for New York’s 4th district, and I have upheld the highest ethical standards of personal conduct. Voters deserve better than the Times' gutter politics."

Read the full Newsday article here.