Posted at: 11/20/2009 3:46 PM
Updated at: 11/20/2009 5:55 PM
By: WNYT Staff

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Bruno trial nearing conclusion

ALBANY - The trial of former state Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno is nearing an end after the prosecution rested its case Friday afternoon. The defense is nearing the end of its case too.

Bruno's friend and business partner Jared Abbruzzese took the stand Friday. He testified that he hired the longtime Republican lawmaker as a consultant for his contacts and the credibility Bruno lent to the enterprises.

Abbruzzese said Bruno first approached him about consulting while flying home from West Palm Beach, Fla., following a golf weekend in 2004.

Abbruzzese, an investor in technology companies, says Bruno was paid $20,000 a month for almost two years. He later agreed to pay Bruno $80,000 for an undersized racehorse when the consultancy ended early.

Bruno faces eight fraud counts. He's accused of using his state influence to enrich himself and deny New Yorkers his honest services.

Closing arguments are set to be heard Monday.

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