US News

EX-POL FACES HARDER SLAP

Crooked ex-pol Brian McLaughlin may get hammered harder than he expected.

Manhattan federal Judge Richard Sullivan yesterday warned he’s considering an “upward departure” from sentencing guidelines that recommend eight to 10 years behind bars for the former labor leader and ex-Democratic assemblyman from Queens.

McLaughlin faces charges including racketeering that could send him away for 50 years.

Sullivan cited McLaughlin’s “abuse of public trust . . . and his misrepresentations” in looting $2.2 million from political, union and charities’ bank accounts. The case, he said, “may present exceptional circumstances.”

Sullivan directed both sides to “be prepared to address this issue” at McLaughlin’s sentencing tomorrow in Manhattan federal court.

A spokeswoman for acting US Attorney Lev Dassin declined to comment.

McLaughlin’s lawyer could not be reached.