Syracuse execs seek assistance from Cuomo aide amidst corruption trial, utilizing confidential documents and emails as evidence.
Trial in Albany Continues: Allegations of Bribery and Shell Company Scheme
The ongoing trial in the Thurgood Marshall federal courthouse in Manhattan is shedding light on a complex web of alleged corruption involving high-ranking officials and power brokers in Albany, New York. At the heart of the matter are Steven Aiello and Joseph Gerardi, who are accused of accepting bribes disguised through a shell company to facilitate illicit payments tied to official actions or influence, in connection with government contracts or development projects.
According to the prosecution, the emails and texts exchanged between the key players reveal a concerted effort by the Cor Development executives to push for help from Joseph Percoco, a top governor's aide. The trial, presided over by U.S. District Court Judge Valerie Caproni, has seen testimony that provides a glimpse into "angry text messages" and "nasty emails" that allegedly led to favors for the Cor executives.
The alleged bribes, as claimed by prosecutors, were paid through a shell company set up by lobbyist Todd Howe. The email exchange, which took place in early December 2014, discusses a $1.5 million grant for Cor's Aloft hotel parking lot through the state agency Empire State Development (ESD).
Initially, ESD officials stated that Cor would need an agreement with the hotel workers' union. However, Jim Fayle, the regional director for Central New York at ESD, attempted to find a way to get the money to Cor without spending it on the parking lot. Once Percoco got involved, ESD reversed its decision in just two days.
The email exchange involves Fayle and also includes Howe and Aiello, who had a back-and-forth conversation in emails. Aiello, in one exchange, stated, "You connected us to JP. Take some credit." The texts and emails also discuss a pay raise for Aiello's son and a waiver of a required union agreement on an Inner Harbor project.
Aiello expressed satisfaction with the reversal, stating "They convinced ESD? Laughable!" in an email. The prosecution alleges that these actions show Aiello and Gerardi wanted to circumvent state processes.
Defense lawyers have suggested that the prosecution may have altered or misrepresented the messages. However, Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Boone stated in his opening statement that the emails and texts reveal how the Cor executives sought to influence official decisions for their benefit.
The trial involves three individuals: Steven Aiello, Joseph Gerardi, and Joseph Percoco. The ongoing proceedings are a continuation of legal efforts against corruption involving senior officials and power brokers in Albany, highlighting bribery and fraud within state-related contract awards.
[1] Source: New York Times, "Ex-Lobbyist's Emails Show Scheme to Circumvent State Contract Rules," 16 January 2019.
The ongoing trial in Albany, New York, is not only focused on the alleged bribery and shell company scheme involving Steven Aiello and Joseph Gerardi, but also highlights Joseph Percoco's role as a top governor's aide in the general-news and crime-and-justice landscape. The prosecution's evidence, including emails and texts, reveals an attempt by the Cor Development executives to manipulate official decisions and influence government contracts, thus shedding light on politics tainted by corruption.
