Powerful Real Estate Executive Testifies of Skelos' Fury

The first week of testimony in the trial of state Sen. Dean Skelos and his son Adam Skelos concluded on Friday, with one of New York City's most powerful real estate executives telling jurors he feared the senator would retaliate against him if he didn't meet Adam Skelos's demands for more money.

Dorego, who is a witness for the government, is an executive with Glenwood Management, one of the most powerful real estate developers in the city, and a top campaign donor to state officials like Gov. Andrew Cuomo. He said legislation that was critical to the real estate development community was at risk if it didn't have the senator's support, so he accommodated Adam Skelos's demands for money.

The Skeloses are charged with bribery and extortion related to payments Adam Skelos received from various sources with ties to Dorego. Federal prosecutors allege that the father and son arranged for bribes to be paid to Adam in exchange for the senator taking actions on various pieces of legislation. Both men have pleaded not guilty.