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Former city supervisor pleads no contest to falsifying overtime

Nelson Daranciang

A former city street sweeping supervisor pleaded no contest in state court today to charges that he verified false overtime claims for himself and three subordinates, and that he took kickbacks from the workers.

Manuel R.K. Castro, 51, pleaded no contest to bribery, second-degree theft and tampering with a government record. He faces up to 10 years in prison and $25,000 fine for the bribery, the most serious of the three crimes, when sentenced in January.

Castro also faces having to repay the city at least $19,505 for overtime pay he was not entitled to from January 2008 to February 2009.

Deputy City Prosecutor Chris Van Marter said Castro claimed overtime on each Sunday during that period, plus additional days and even claimed mileage reimbursement.

Two of the subordinates, Joseph A. Sardinha III and Lydell J. Herodies, pleaded guilty or no contest to theft and were granted five-year deferrals. If they stay out of trouble for that period the court will erase the charges from their records.

Sardinha must also perform 100 hours of community service and repay the city $3,352. Herodies must repay the city $2,968.

The third subordinate, Michael C. Domingo, is scheduled to go to trial next month on bribery and theft charges.

Roman G. Thomas, another supervisor, pleaded no contest to theft and is scheduled be sentenced this month. However, he too is asking for a deferral.

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