Prosecutor: John Haggerty Stole $1 Million From Mayor Michael Bloomberg
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The political consultant accused of stealing over $1 million from Mayor Michael Bloomberg is now on trial.
WCBS 880's Irene Cornell On The Story
Podcast
Opening statements began at the trial of John Haggerty Monday morning in Manhattan.
Prosecutors told the jury that Haggerty exploited the good will and trust of Bloomberg and his campaign staff.
In 2009, Bloomberg gave the GOP consultant $1.1 million for ballot security and poll watching on Election Day.
Prosecutors say Haggerty kept $750,000 for himself using it to buy his childhood home in Forest Hills Gardens in Queens after his father died.
Defense attorneys will reportedly argue during the trial that Haggerty thought he could keep the money in return for months of unpaid work he did for the mayor.
Haggerty will come face to face with the mayor Tuesday. Bloomberg is expected to testify.
If convicted, Haggerty faces 25 years in prison for grand larceny and money laundering.
