Federal prosecutors: Ciminelli, Laipple will not face bribery charges in Buffalo Billion trial

Federal prosecutors have dropped a bribery charge against former LPCiminelli CEO Louis Ciminelli and top executive Michael Laipple.

In a court document dated Friday, prosecutors announced they would not be moving forward with charges that the two violated federal law in paying bribes and gratuities.

The document does state that prosecutors are still moving forward with charges that the men conspired to commit wire fraud. The charges stem from an alleged bid-rigging scheme involving Buffalo Billion-funded development, including the construction of the Riverbend site.

A trial has been set for June.

Earlier in May, former LPCiminelli executive pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. A bribery charge against him was also dismissed. As part of his plea agreement, Schuler agreed to fully cooperate with prosecutors, which could include testifying at the trial.