Overview

• Under cross-examination, contractor Antonietta DiBenedetto Roy said she hired and paid Diamantis’ daughter and delivered money to Diamantis to keep him happy, testifying that he created an atmosphere of fear in the industry as the defense argued those actions were voluntary and political.
• Jurors reviewed messages and records prosecutors say show solicitations and coded payments, including references to a typical 5% cut, “birthday card” and “pints,” a directive to delete texts, and a voicemail about needing money for tuition and a wedding.
• Former Acranom executive John Duffy testified that bribes secured work on state-funded school projects, describing cash handoffs in public places and acknowledging he initially lied to investigators before texts and emails forced corrections.
• Newfield Construction’s Brian Ouelette testified that Diamantis intervened to secure Acranom a $3 million contract at Hartford’s Weaver High and resolve a billing dispute worth about $300,000, with project emails citing his control over the power of the purse.
• Prosecutors also called industry veteran Sal Salafia, who said Diamantis directed Hartford to add Construction Advocacy Professionals to manage the Bulkeley High project, as the defense continues to challenge witness credibility with plans for further testimony.