Key Witness Expected To Testify At Trial Of Cuomo Aide
NEW YORK (AP) — A key witness is taking the stand in the corruption trial of a former top aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Todd Howe is expected to testify at the Manhattan federal court trial of Joseph Percoco on Monday.
Prosecutors say Percoco accepted more than $300,000 in bribes from three businessmen. Percoco's lawyers say any money paid to Percoco was not a bribe.
Howe, a longtime lobbyist, pleaded guilty to corruption charges in 2016 in a cooperation deal that required him to testify against Percoco.
Defense attorney Barry Bohrer labeled Howe a liar in his opening statement. Bohrer said Howe has a "below zero interest in the truth."
Percoco was a close confidant to Cuomo for many years but the governor is not expected to be a witness at the trial.