A key witness is taking the stand in the corruption trial of a former top aide to New York 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.
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