Jury back at it with another note


The Steven Raucci jury came back right after dinner with a note requesting the read back of charges three and four – first-degree criminal possession of a weapon and the crime of terrorism charge – both involving crimes committed at former Schenectady athletic director Gary DiNola’s house.

The weapons possession charge relates to the explosive device that was left on  DiNola’s car in Clifton Park in Nov. 2006.

Crime of terrorism charge is for the intent to influence policy of a unit government in Schenectady County by intimidation or coersion. This  is one of the most serious, as it carries a 25 to life sentence.

There is one legal matter we should mention that’s important in regards to the charges. In order to convict on any of the charges that take place outside Schenectady County (in this case charges related to the DiNola incident and the vandalism at a home in Schodack) the jury must find that the crimes were meant to influence government in Schenectady County.

That might be an easy link in the DiNola case. But it might be more difficult with the Schodack matter, as Raucci was allegedly doing it as a favor to CSEA local president Joanne DeSarbo who got dumped by the homeowner shortly before.

Categories: Raucci trial
Lauren Stanforth

9 Responses

  1. Myra says:

    CSEA was the union who was supposed to be representing employees of the Schenectady County School District, including Raucci. Since his actions, in large part, were based on his connection to the union and other union leaders, of course his terrorist actions affected Schenectady County Government. For example if the victim in Schodack was a nut herself, she could have retaliated against the building Raucci worked in. It was a school, right? Imagine innocent children and others being retaliated against due to Racci’s actions? He is guilty.

  2. jed says:

    I must say, it appears they are doing a thorough job!!!!!!!!!!!

  3. Cal says:

    They’re throwing everything including the kitchen sink at this guy. Something is bound to stick. Terrorism charges which carry a life sentence? This is ridiculous, firecrackers and spray paint have no business locking a man away for the rest of his life.

  4. DeeplyConcernedCitizen says:

    That is one of the crazy facts here, as the worst that they can possibly honestly find him gui;ty of is some involvement with the paint and fireworks.
    He already did 14 months in that little cold cell. That is a very long horrible penalty for someone that was not even convicted.

  5. Marianne says:

    #4 Be real. They know he’s a lunatic that’s why there was no bail! Let him come knocking at your door and act as he did with his fellow workers that didn’t agree with him or stepped on his widdle toes. He’s a lunatic. Get use to it!

  6. Matisse says:


    On what FACTUAL basis are you stating that the explosive devices were firecrackers/fireworks? Would you be ever so kind as to please point me in the direction of the FACTS that back up that assertion? Just the facts ma’am, just the facts. (I am guessing that you dont have an answer for me; you dont seem very well acquainted with the facts. A review of your many entertaining posts reveals that understanding the facts hasn’t really been a priority for ya’.)

  7. wow says:

    First, let me say this to Lauren Stanforth. You have done an excellent job in covering the facts in this case, please do not begin to add opinion to this already complicated matter (there are other venues for that). The issue for the Schodack home is no different than the issue in Clifton Park. Mr. Raucci was using his position and union power to dictate the professional and personal behavior of others. In Clifton Park, his attacks on the victim were in part based on Mr. Raucci’s opinion that he was due revenge of some sort because his authority was questioned. In Schodack, the attack as detailed in court was done to gain favor with union officials and strengthen Mr. Raucci’s standing with those above him. His DNA is at a crime scene of someone he was not familiar with. The reason for his attendance at this location is completely based on his involvement in Schenectady county as an employee of the county and a union official. It is connected and jurisdiction should be CLEAR to all.

  8. zillow says:

    which bombing did they visit in the school vehicles?….so much mayhem ,so little time….cheers!

  9. emilydee says:

    They are not FIRECRACKERS!! DCC-did you miss the testimony of the FBI explosives expert? and the demonstration? Not only were these explosives placed on homes and cars which is horrendous but Raucci had one in a SCHOOL!! Do you have children? I thought not.