The Town of Oyster Bay is at odds with federal prosecutors who want local officials to turn over emails that may serve as evidence in the corruption cases against the former supervisor and the former Nassau County executive.

Federal prosecutors say the 54 emails were sent between a former deputy town attorney and outside lawyers. Investigators argue they likely contain evidence related to the charges against former Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto and former Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano. Both men have pleaded not guilty.

But the town says the emails are protected by attorney-client privilege.

"We are acting in the best interests of the residents and taxpayers of the Town of Oyster Bay," says current Supervisor Joseph Saladino. "We hired outside counsel to give us advice, and we're following their advice to protect our taxpayers -- not only today but in the future."

Prosecutors argue that the privilege does not apply to these particular emails because they may have been used in the commission of a crime.

Residents who spoke with News 12 Long Island Wednesday said they supported the release of the emails, citing the town's history of alleged corruption.