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May 22, 2008

CVS Trial: Celona testimony concludes

Journal illustration / Frank Gerardi

Former state Sen. John Celona, left, answers questions from Scott D. Corrigan, center, defense lawyer for former CVS executive John Kramer. In the foreground, former CVS executive Carlos Ortiz, center, is flanked by two of his attorneys. Judge Mary Lisi presides.

After four days on the witness stand in the CVS corruption trial, former state Sen. John A. Celona has concluded his testimony.

Scott Corrigan, a lawyer for the defense, wrapped up his questioning at 11:30 a.m. with several questions about false statements that Celona provided to a federal prosecutor and FBI agent earlier this year.

It was clear that Celona was uncomfortable with the line of questioning.

"You told them that you couldn’t remember all the lies you told them, correct?" Corrigan said.

"I don’t know if that was the terminology," Celona said.

"Did you tell them that you didn’t want to lie to them about lying?" Corrigan asked.

Mark Smith, a lawyer for Carlos R. Ortiz, was next. He spent an hour and 15 minutes cross-examining Celona about his cable television show and a meeting in the office of former CVS spokesman Todd Andrews in January 2001. Celona said that Ortiz called the meeting in Andrews’ office to discuss his $1,000-a-month consulting contract.

Ortiz talked about coming up with an official title and duties for the former legislator, 11 months after he began his consulting job for CVS.

Andrews is expected to be the government’s next witness when the trial resumes at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Extra: Our continuing report on this trial and Operation Dollar Bill

Posted by maria caporizzo  at 1:25 PM | Permalink

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