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February 7, 2008

Oster trial: Contractor says donation ended problems

Testimony in the trial of former Lincoln Town Administrator Jonathan Oster ended yesterday with a contractor telling jurors that Oster’s alleged associate said he’d keep town officials from nosing around a construction site if the contractor would donate to Oster’s fundraiser.

Testimony resumed today with David Wayne Daniel, who’s company, Major Construction Associates, was hired for a playground renovation project in 2001, telling the jury that once he donated about $5,000, the pressure from town officials “instantly evaporated.”

Oster is facing two counts of bribery and conspiracy for allegedly working with an associate – Robert Picerno – to solicit bribes for a piece of land on Route 116 that was under the town’s control.

Daniel testified today that his business partner insisted the money be returned and that when he went to Picerno to try to get the money back, Picerno floated the idea of Daniel buying a piece of the property.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer John Hill

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 1:21 PM | Permalink

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