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« R.I. study: Simple test detects CO poisoning | Today | Fire official who inspected Station nightclub retires » February 13, 2008Oster trial: Defense probes contractor's cooperationPROVIDENCE -- The defense lawyer in ex-Lincoln Town Administrator Jonathan F. Oster's bribery and conspiracy trial this morning questioned contractor Robert Gelfuso about the method and extent of Gelfuso's cooperation in the State Police investigation that led to arrests of Oster and an Oster political ally. Lawyer C. Leonard O'Brien went through a taped conversation Gelfuso had with Oster's then-political ally, Robert R. Picerno, pointing out where Picerno made mention of other government officials. After going through some names, O'Brien asked Gelfuso whether police had him try to gather more information on those officials. Gelfuso, who co-owned the company renovating the Fairlawn playground in town, answered that his instructions were to get Picerno to talk about Oster. Oster, who was town administrator from 2000 to 2002, faces two bribery counts and two conspiracy counts. The state's case alleges that Gelfuso was a target of that conspiracy. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer John Hill Picerno pleaded no contest in 2004 to four counts of taking, or trying to solicit, bribes, and three counts of conspiracy to solicit bribes. Gelfuso also said Picerno had not warned him that if he were to buy the H&H Screw Co. property -- six town-controlled acres on Route 116 that are at the heart of the bribery allegations -- he would have to sign an indemnification agreement freeing the town from any legal responsibilty for cleaning up any hazardous waste on the site. Previous witneses have testified that cleanup of the waste on the property could run from $400,000 to more than $2 million. State Police told Gelfuso to call Picerno and tell him he had seen a state Department of Environmental Management vehicle on the H&H Screw site to see how Picerno would react. Picerno told Gelfuso there was a proposal to build a hotel near the site and that was probably why a DEM vehicle was there. Picerno never mentioned the hazardous waste. Posted by Mike McKinney CommentsPost a commentPlease be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish. |
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Oct 2005 - March 2006