Investigations into corporate executives and others for alleged corruption continue unabated, despite the departure of Preet Bharara.
In a surprising turn of events, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara was fired by President Donald Trump in March 2017. This decision has raised concerns about the future of various ongoing investigations, particularly the corruption case against Cor Development Co. executives, Steven Aiello and Joseph Gerardi.
Bharara had filed a criminal complaint in September 2016, charging eight individuals, including Cor Development executives, for alleged corruption. However, the current status of the case following Bharara's dismissal remains unclear. Joon H. Kim, Bharara's deputy, is currently serving as acting U.S. Attorney.
On his personal Twitter account, Bharara drew a comparison between his dismissal and the premature disbanding of the Moreland Commission, an investigative body. He also suggested that his dismissal blocked his plan to further investigate New York state corruption.
The corruption case against Cor Development is being handled by four career prosecutors, ensuring continuity in the proceedings. The allegations involve three major Upstate development projects: the Buffalo Billion, the Central New York nanotechnology hub, and a power plant in Orange County.
Accused of bid-rigging, bribery, and lying to authorities, Joseph Aiello and Joseph Gerardi, along with other defendants, are due back in court on April 6 for a status conference. Defense lawyers have complained about the slow release of documents and evidence by prosecutors, and they plan to oppose the decision to prosecute all eight defendants together.
Former U.S. Attorney Dennis Vacco stated that the next U.S. attorney for the Southern District would lose credibility if the Cor Development case were abandoned. U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer also expressed concern about Bharara's firing.
One of the accused, Todd Howe, pleaded guilty, and a grand jury confirmed the charges by issuing indictments. The outcome of the case against Cor Development executives, including Steven Aiello and Joseph Gerardi, remains to be seen as the investigation continues under the new acting U.S. Attorney.
- The unexpected dismissal of U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara in March 2017 has sparked concerns about the future of the general-news case surrounding Cor Development Co. executives, Steven Aiello and Joseph Gerardi, given Bharara's previous criminal complaint against them.
- As the investigation into Cor Development continues under acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim, the status of the crime-and-justice case against Aiello and Gerardi, along with other defendants, will likely be a topic of discussion and debate among many in politics.
