ALBANY, N.Y. – A federal investigation of two former top aides to Andrew Cuomo is threatening to taint the Democratic governor's signature economic development efforts even as it adds to Albany's reputation for insider dealing.
The probe has revealed a complex web of individuals tied to Cuomo and businesses that stand to make millions through efforts to revitalize the upstate economy. Cuomo has launched his own internal investigation and vowed to "throw the book" at anyone found to have broken the law.
The investigations are examining whether Joseph Percoco and Todd Howe had possible conflicts of interest and engaged in improper bidding related to Cuomo's Buffalo Billion and Nano initiatives.
Percoco is Cuomo's former executive secretary and campaign manager. Howe is a lobbyist who worked for Cuomo when he was U.S. housing secretary.
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