Verdict reached in case of alleged Long Island mob cop accused of ‘selling his badge’ to Bonanno crime family

A former Nassau County cop accused of that moonlighting for the mob while still wearing a badge was found guilty Wednesday of making false statements to the FBI — but cleared of an obstruction of justice charge.

A Brooklyn federal court jury deliberated for nine hours over two days before reaching its verdict, with ex-cop Hector Rosario having no visible reaction as the verdict was read.

Prosecutors said during the eight-day trial that the 51-year-old former cop “sold his badge” to the mob for a $1,500 a month payoff – and even set up phony raids to harass rival Mafiosos.

They said Rosario waged war on the Genovese mob on behalf of his alleged Bonanno family handlers after a deal for the two crime syndicates to split the proceeds from an illegal gambling den called the Gran Caffe fell apart – and then allegedly lied to the feds about his illicit moonlighting gig.

A 15-year veteran of the Nassau County department when he was busted in 2022, Rosario allegedly also tipped off the mob about law enforcement activity.

Federal prosecutors said the former cop lied to the FBI at least 30 times when he was interviewed about his link to the mob in January 2020.

“He chose the crime family over the public he swore to protect,” Assistant US Attorney Anna Karamigios told jurors during opening arguments in US District Court in Brooklyn.

Prosecutors said Rosario pulled off “at least one” phony raid on rival gambling operations run by a Genovese associate, according to federal court documents.

The ex-cop allegedly targeted Salvatore “Sal the Shoemaker” Rubino’s backroom casino inside his Long Island store, Sal’s Shoe Repair.

The Merrick business served as a front for poker games three times a week and computerized gambling machines.

Rubino, who testified at Rosario’s trial, pleaded guilty to charges in April along with his associates.

But Rosario’s lawyer maintained that prosecutors didn’t prove their case – and relied largely on three mob turncoats who cut cooperation deals with the feds.

“We are asking you not to be swayed by the inflammatory evidence of the Mafia,” defense attorney Kestine Thiele said during closing arguments Monday.

“You cannot convict our client on the word of three convicted members of the Mafia who all have lied in the past, who have lied to hundreds of people over the course of their criminal behaviors and in their personal lives,” Thiele said.