Arrested witness in Cuomo ex-aide trial to resume testimony
NEW YORK — The government’s star witness in the bribery trial of a former top aide to Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo was behind bars Friday for violating his co-operation agreement but will return to the witness stand Monday.
Todd Howe, 57, was taken into custody for violating his bail conditions, but the development isn’t expected to derail his continuing testimony in the trial of former Cuomo aide Joseph Percoco and three businessmen. Prosecutors did not comment.
His arrest was approved by a judge who wrote that the government notified him that the revocation of Howe’s $100,000 bond was appropriate.
Sometimes, the government keeps co-operating witnesses detained to send a stern message that any violations will be dealt with severely. It also suggests Howe might not get as much leniency as he expected after pleading guilty to crimes that carry a potential penalty of decades in prison. And it allows prosecutors to show he was punished for his indiscretions.