Bruno Defense Rests, Jury Could Begin Deliberations Monday

By Karen DeWitt

Albany, New York – The defense has rested its case in the federal corruption trial of Joe Bruno, without the former Senate leader taking the stand. The jury could begin deliberating as early as Monday afternoon.

The defense breezed through seven witnesses Friday afternoon, including former Governor Pataki's press secretary David Catalfamo, and the CEO of Evident Technologies, which received a half million dollar member item from the former Senate Leader. All were aimed at showing that Bruno did not improperly use his political connections to enrich his business interests. A local prominent businessman John Nigro testified as a kind of character witness, saying Bruno was a "man of excellent integrity". The former Seantor, who did not take the stand in his own defense, remained confident.

"I'm satisfied that all that has been said has been said, and there's nothing more that I was going to add that proves my innocence," Bruno said.

The current schedule means jury deliberations could be underway as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.