A former high-ranking political advisor testified Tuesday in the bribery trial of a former Suffolk legislator.

Steven Baranello previously pleaded guilty to accepting bribes while working as a political advisor for current Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy in 2003. Baranello told jurors his accomplice was defendant Wayne Prospect, who is accused of bribery and coercion in fixing lucrative county project contracts. Prosecutors say Prospect squeezed money from an undercover cop posing as a contractor, assuring him that cash and a donation to Levy?s campaign fund would secure him the contract.

Officials say Levy was in no way involved or had any knowledge of any illegal activities. Defense attorneys claim an overzealous detective entrapped Prospect.