BOSTON—The corruption trial of former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi and two associates is about to begin its third week of testimony.
Federal prosecutors are trying to prove that DiMasi, Richard McDonough and Richard Vitale schemed to use DiMasi's clout as speaker to steer two lucrative state contracts to the software firm
Joseph Lally, a former software salesman who pleaded guilty before the trial started, testified over three days last week that he was part of a complex scheme to funnel kickbacks to DiMasi.
Defense attorneys portrayed Lally as a liar, tax cheat and compulsive gambler whose testimony should not be trusted.
Testimony is set to resume Monday with prosecutors saying they could wrap up their case by week's end. Gov. Deval Patrick is among those on the prosecution's remaining list of potential witnesses.
