Watch CBS News

Ex-Speaker Dimasi Corruption Trial Expected To Wrap Up This Week

BOSTON (AP) -- Defense attorneys in the federal corruption trial of former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi and two associates are preparing to wrap up their case this week after calling only a handful of the 117 potential witnesses listed prior to the start of the trial.

U.S. District Court Judge Mark Wolf has indicated that the defense will likely rest on Wednesday, with jury deliberations expected to begin by Monday at the latest.

On Tuesday, former Massachusetts Senate President Robert Travaglini (Tra-vah-LEE'-nee) has made a surprise visit to the federal courtroom where DiMasi and two associates are on trial.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones reports

Podcast

Travaglini was the leader of the Senate in 2006 when a state budget amendment was approved to fund the first of two contracts or the software firm Cognos. He was not accused of any wrongdoing and was not called as a witness in the case.

Travaglini said he came to the trial on Tuesday to show support for DiMasi, who is charged with two co-defendants in an alleged scheme to steer two state contracts to Cognos worth a combined $17.5 million.

As he was leaving the courthouse on Tuesday, DiMasi said he and Travaglini had a "great relationship" while serving together in the Legislature.

Maryann Calia, DiMasi's former chief of staff, testified on Tuesday. She said that she never recalled hearing DiMasi mention the firm Cognos by name while advocating for performance management software.

DiMasi, Richard McDonough and Richard Vitale are charged with scheming to use the speaker's clout to steer two lucrative state contracts to Cognos, in exchange for payments.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.