Politicians and power-brokers were called to the stand to testify in the fraud trial against Suffolk's Conservative Party leader.

The federal theft and fraud case against Ed Walsh continued Monday in Central Islip. 

Walsh, who recently retired as a lieutenant for the sheriff's department, is accused of falsifying timesheets and illegally collecting more than $200,000 in pay.

Federal prosecutors claim he wasn't working for the sheriff's department, but doing other things like gambling, golfing and attending political functions.

Monday's key witness was Sheriff Vincent DeMarco. DeMarco was asked by the prosecutor if Walsh's duties required him to be outside the jails. DeMarco said, other than two specific assignments, the job did not require that.

Later on, DeMarco was asked if Walsh's responsibilities included attending wakes and funerals, visiting sick relatives, instructing training programs, settling union grievances or attending sheriff's office graduations. Again, he answered no, saying it was not a duty of Walsh's job.

Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) was asked about several morning meetings and evening fundraisers attended by himself and Walsh.

Prosecutors said they wanted to know if they discussed sheriff's department business. Zeldin said on the stand that he remembered conversations that were related to politics.

During cross-examination, defense attorney William Wexler asked Sheriff DeMarco about paperwork specifically related to Walsh's appointment to the position of liaison.

He asked DeMarco why there wasn't a better description of that particular job in writing and whether anyone had complained at the time that Walsh was not doing his job.

Sheriff DeMarco is expected to be back on the stand Tuesday.