Lobbyist Nicole Malliotakis’ congressional bid continues to be mired in scandal.
According to the New York Post, just one month after one of her aides was busted in a mob-sting, Nicole Malliotakis is having a birthday bash with the ex-wife of alleged mob boss Carmine Sciandra.
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Nicole Malliotakis fundraiser will be hosted by ex-mob wife
By Carl Campanile and Alex Taylor | November 6, 2019
Just a month after one of her aides was busted in a mafia-linked scheme, Staten Island Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis is having a Nov. 19 birthday fund-raising bash for her congressional bid that is being co-hosted by a real life ex-mob wife, The Post has learned.
Sandra Corda Sciandra — the ex-wife of Carmine Sciandra, a reputed Gambino crime family capo who co-owned the Top Tomato grocery chain on Staten Island and pleaded guilty to running a massive sports betting and loan sharking ring — is one of six hosts listed for the Staten Island event.
“Celebrate Nicole’s Birthday and Support Her Congressional Race. Enjoy Live Music, Surprise Guest Appearances, a Buffet and Specialty Drinks. Rolling Stones cover band Sha-Doobie live!” the Malliotakis campaign invite said of the event at Violette’s Cellar.
“This event will be hosted by Sandra Corda-Sciandra, Laura Fitzsimmons Volsario, George Christo, Bob Cutrona, Mark Lauria & George Passariello.”
Carmine Sciandra was sentenced to four-and-half-years in prison and agreed to pay $1.2 million in penalties after pleading guilty to charges of enterprise corruption in 2010.
It’s not Malliotakis’ first brush with people associated with the mob.
Last month, a Staten Island man who was an aide to Malliotakis was busted in a mob-linked scheme to rig a college basketball game.
Malliotakis fired Benjamin Bifalco, 25, who she hired a month prior as a community affairs director, after hearing of the indictment. Bifalco pleaded not guilty to the charges.
As for Carmine Sciandra’s mob ties, they were fairly well known.
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