Statement Of U.S. Attorney Damian Williams On The Conviction Of John Costanzo And Manuel Recio

“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.”