ALBANY – The New York Times obtained more than 300 pages of emails linking Todd Howe with top officials of Gov. Andrew Cuomo as the former aide-turned-lobbyist sought help for his clients.
Howe, who pleaded guilty to eight felonies, was a part of the Buffalo Billions scandal that fostered corruption trials against former Cuomo advisor Joseph Percoco and the former head of SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Alain Kaloyeros. The two worked with Howe on the Buffalo Billions project.
Emails show that Howe had direct communication with high administration officials.
The state spent $200,000 fighting the Times’ Freedom of Information filing but finally reached a settlement that allowed the times to obtain the emails.
According to various media outlets, Howe sent panicked emails to Jim Malatras, former director of state operations, seeking immediate payment of money owed to LPCiminelli and COR Development. Both companies were part of the federal corruption cases. The emails indicate payment was authorized shortly thereafter.
Howe also apparently used private email accounts to discuss business with Cuomo officials, which is illegal.
A Cuomo spokesman said Cuomo learned after the fact that Howe is “a criminal, an admitted liar and a con man.”
