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To bolster his defense, Scotto produced an extraordinary parade of character witnesses, including Carey and former New York City Mayors Robert Wagner and John Lindsay. Carey characterized Scotto as "trustworthy, energetic, intelligent, effective and dedicated." He is, testified the Governor, "one of the outstanding young labor leaders in the United States." After the verdict, Carey changed his assessment. Said he: "I feel compassion for Mr. Scotto's family and regret that a person of such considerable talent and ability has violated our laws."
Scotto vowed to appeal; if his conviction is upheld, he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and, after his release, will be barred from regaining his union post for at least five years.