Jimmy Vielkind reports in Politico New York that Joe Percoco and Alain Kaloyeros, two high-ranking officials in New York government, were charged Sept. 22 by federal agents with extortion and rigging bids as part of the administration's economic development efforts. U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara unsealed an 80-page complaint against the two officials. Percoco, a former aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the complaint alleges, needed money for a large mortgage, and "squeezed companies with pending business before the state to pay him and his wife," according to the charges. Percoco's attorney suggested the charges against him were based on non-credible witness testimony similar to a fraud charge against former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, which the Supreme Court vacated. An attorney for SUNY Poly President Kaloyeros did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but has previously denied any wrongdoing by Kaloyeros. At a press conference Sept. 22 announcing the charges Bharara was asked if Cuomo was under suspicion, and said "at this moment no. That's all I'm going to say." Read the full story in Politico New York.