What to Know

Konstantinos "Kosta" Diamantis, a former state deputy budget director, is accused of demanding bribes from construction firms in exchange for state contracts.

The trial has been in recess since Thursday afternoon.

On Thursday, officials with school construction projects in two towns, Hartford and Tolland , told jurors that Diamantis used his power to force them to hire two contractors.

Diamantis’ attorney, Norm Pattis, said his client was just a man who was trying to keep the projects moving along and underbudget.

Pattis said last week that Diamantis plans to testify this week.

The second week of the trial starts on Tuesday in Bridgeport.

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