Scoppetta's Career in Federal and City Government
The trajectory of a legal career in public service often involves a transition from local prosecution to high-level administrative oversight. For Scoppetta, this journey began in the early 1960s, moving through the ranks of New York's judicial system and federal law enforcement before ascending to key leadership roles within the city's executive branch.
Early Legal Career and Federal Prosecution
After being admitted to the bar in New York City in 1962, Scoppetta entered public service as an Assistant District Attorney (a prosecutor representing the government in criminal cases) in New York County. He was appointed to this role by District Attorney Frank Hogan and served in the Manhattan D.A.'s Office until 1969.
Following his tenure in the local prosecutor's office, he transitioned to the federal level, serving as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
High-Profile Investigations and Commissions
In the early 1970s, Scoppetta's expertise was utilized in several critical investigations into government corruption. In 1971, he served as Associate Counsel to the Knapp Commission, a body tasked with investigating systemic corruption within the New York City Police Department.
His experience with high-stakes inquiries continued into 1972, where he briefly served as Deputy Independent Counsel. In this capacity, he was involved in the investigation and prosecution of a former Special Assistant to President Richard Nixon.
Leadership in New York City Government
On December 1, 1972, Mayor John Lindsay appointed Scoppetta as the Commissioner of Investigation for the City of New York. This role, focused on rooting out inefficiency and corruption, was so vital that he was re-appointed to the position in 1974 by Mayor Abraham Beame.
During his tenure, Scoppetta faced a significant professional challenge. On August 1, 1974, New York City Comptroller Harrison J. Goldin accused him of instructing a civil servant to make unauthorized entries in the Comptroller's books. Scoppetta described the claim as "outrageous." A subsequent investigation conducted by New York State Special Prosecutor Maurice H. Nadjari fully cleared Scoppetta of any wrongdoing.
His career reached a peak in the city administration on December 6, 1976, when Mayor Beame appointed him to the newly established role of Deputy Mayor for Criminal Justice. Scoppetta managed the responsibilities of both Deputy Mayor and Commissioner of Investigation simultaneously until January 5, 1978, when he was replaced by the incoming Mayor Ed Koch.
Key Facts
- 1962: Admitted to the New York City bar and appointed Assistant District Attorney by Frank Hogan.
- 1969: Transitioned to Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
- 1971: Served as Associate Counsel to the Knapp Commission investigating NYPD corruption.
- 1972: Appointed Commissioner of Investigation for the City of New York.
- 1976: Named Deputy Mayor for Criminal Justice.
- Exoneration: Cleared of misconduct allegations by Special Prosecutor Maurice H. Nadjari.
| Year/Period | Position | Jurisdiction/Entity |
|---|---|---|
| 1962–1969 | Assistant District Attorney | New York County (Manhattan) |
| 1969–1971 | Assistant United States Attorney | Southern District of New York |
| 1971 | Associate Counsel | Knapp Commission |
| 1972–1978 | Commissioner of Investigation | City of New York |
| 1976–1978 | Deputy Mayor for Criminal Justice | City of New York |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who appointed Scoppetta as Commissioner of Investigation?
He was first appointed to the role by Mayor John Lindsay on December 1, 1972, and was later re-appointed by Mayor Abraham Beame in 1974.
What was the purpose of the Knapp Commission?
The Knapp Commission was established to investigate allegations of corruption within the New York City Police Department.
How was Scoppetta handled the accusations from Comptroller Harrison J. Goldin?
Scoppetta denounced the accusations as "outrageous," and he was eventually cleared of all wrongdoing following an investigation by New York State Special Prosecutor Maurice H. Nadjari.
Did Scoppetta hold more than one city office at the same time?
Yes, from December 6, 1976, until January 5, 1978, he served concurrently as the Commissioner of Investigation and the Deputy Mayor for Criminal Justice.
When did Scoppetta's tenure in these city roles end?
His service in these positions ended on January 5, 1978, when he was replaced by Mayor Ed Koch.