Clarkstown Appoints Former County DA As Town Justice

NEW CITY, NY — Supervisor George Hoehmann and the Town Board voted Tuesday to appoint Michael Bongiorno as Town Justice to fill the vacancy created when Clarkstown Town Justice Scott B. Ugell resigned in June.

Ugell was under investigation by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

Bongiorno is a former Rockland County District Attorney and a longtime Clarkstown resident.

"Mike is a true public servant and I am proud to put him forward as the next Town Justice," Supervisor George Hoehmann said in a statement Wednesday. "The Town Board and I look forward to working with him as we continue to make Clarkstown a great place to live, work, and raise a family."

Justice Bongiorno brings with him over four decades of legal experience and over three decades as a prosecutor. From 1981 to 1995 he worked as an Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan DA’s Office as a Homicide Assistant, Director of Legal training and Deputy Bureau Chief. After serving as Rockland County District Attorney for 12 years, he was the Senior Investigative Counsel for the New York State Attorney General's Organized Crime Task Force for four years. He has many years of experience in private legal practice where he assisted often on indigent defense. Bongiorno is a frequent public speaker on legal topics for law enforcement, civic organizations, and state agencies.

"I am honored for the opportunity to serve the people of Clarkstown as Town Justice and continue my lifetime of community service," Justice Bongiorno said. "We have one of the busiest Justice Courts in New York State and I am committed to upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and integrity in our community."

Bongiorno received a BA from Yale University and JD from School of Law, Washington and Lee University. He attended the National College of District Attorneys, University of Houston Law Center and has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout this career.