Undercover operations and intercepted telephone conversations were part of the investigation. Lawmakers also searched the homes and safety deposit boxes of the four Long Islanders on Dec. 3. At Hale’s home office, officials said, they recovered $51,000 in cash and paperwork referring to the applicant defendants.

Joseph Conway, Hale’s Mineola-based attorney, said his client pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. “He looks forward to clearing his name in court at the proper time,” Conway said.

Hale was arraigned on Jan. 7, and is due back in court on Feb. 7.
The remaining 102 defendants have been charged with second-degree grand larceny and second-degree attempted grand larceny, Vance’s office said in a news release.