Federal prosecutors have brought corruption charges against two of Governor Cuomo’s economic development officials.
A criminal complaint from the office of Southern District U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara was unsealed today. It charges former Cuomo Aide Joe Percoco with extorting payments from two firms that worked on the Buffalo Billion and other projects. It charges principals in an energy firm with arranging a no-show job for Percoco’s wife in return for steering business their way.
Additionally, Bharara said in a news conference that lobbyist Todd Howe helped arrange hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal payments for Percoco. And he alleges the head of SUNY Polytechnic, Alain Kaloyeros, engaged in bid rigging on several projects the governor promoted to kickstart the Upstate economy.
Percoco’s lawyer issued a statement calling the charges “an overreach of classic proportions” and saying his client performed all services honestly and within the law. Dr. Kaloyeros’ lawyer has previously denied any wrongdoing by his client.
The complaint says Governor Cuomo’s office was subpoenaed on April 29th, at which time Cuomo cut ties with Percoco, whom he once described as his father’s third son. Percoco left state service at the end of last year.