Convicted Former NCED Chief Takes The Stand In Corruption Trial

Former NCED CEO Bob Jones was on the stand for more than two-and-a-half hours Wednesday morning in the trial of Ernie Lopez.

Lopez, the COO of NCED, is accused of helping to defraud the federal government of millions of dollars in contracts.

A somewhat feeble looking Jones used a cane as he walked into the courtroom and grimaced as he sat down. Jones, who has already been convicted of lying to the government in order to obtain millions in contracts, testified in front of a packed courtroom.

The defense asked whether he thought Ernie Lopez was an honest person and Jones replied, “yes.”

He was then asked by defense attorney Mary Stillinger if he ever said, “I just can’t get Ernie to lie?” Jones replied he did not recall making that statement. He then had his memory refreshed with the transcript of tapped phone conversations with Marc Schwartz, his former assistant.

He was then asked again, “Do you recall saying Ernie doesn’t lie?” Jones replied, “it is in the document.” Under cross examination Jones admitted lying about the number of disabled employees in order to keep the govt contracts, documents he and Lopez signed.

He was asked, “Did Mr. Lopez ever say to you, this is wrong, I’m not going to sign these documents and lie to the federal govt?” Jones replied “No.”

The prosecution then asked if Lopez was a willing participant.

Jones replied, “Yes, sir.”