Contractor Costa Wraps Up Testimony in Perez Trial

City Contractor Carlos Costa wrapped up his testimony Tuesday in the corruption trial of Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez.

Prosecutors allege Costa bribed the Mayor with free home renovations so the Mayor would help him keep a lucrative city construction job on Park Street.

This morning, Perez attorney Hubert Santos questioned Costa extensively about his testimony on Friday and Monday and compared it to statements he gave investigators and the grand jury. Santos disputes Costa's claims that the Mayor never asked for a bill and Costa's statement that he never expected payment from Perez.

After Costa, the prosecution brought several witnesses to the stand to show that Costa ordered all of the materials for Perez's kitchen and bathroom work and that Costa paid for all of it himself.

Perez attorneys pointed out that none of the subcontractors went out of their way to hide the work they were doing at the Mayor's home. Here, attorney Hope Seeley, questions Victor Costa, a former employee of Carlos Costa who did some of the renovation work.

"Seeley: You would drive yourself to the job site? VCosta: Yes. Seeley: And where would you park? VCosta: In the driveway, by the garage. Seeley: And you never heard anyone that they were doing or you were doing this work as a favor? VCosta: No."

Mayor Perez has been charged with bribery and fabricating evidence related to the 2005 work that was done on his house by contractor, Carlos Costa. Costa faces the same charges.

Testimony continues tomorrow.