A doctor testifying in the corruption case against former New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver says he referred cases to Silver’s law firm in order to get research funding.

Dr. Robert Taub told a Manhattan federal jury on Wednesday that he initially lied when investigators asked if he had referred asbestos victims to Silver for legal representation because he was terrified. Taub said he later admitted referring more than 25 clients to Silver in the hopes that the powerful Democrat would help his research center.

Taub is testifying under a non-prosecution agreement. He said the assemblyman began arranging $500,000 in state aid to his center months after he referred patients. The doctor said Silver also helped his children get jobs.

Silver is charged with earning $5 million illegally through bribes and kickbacks. He has pleaded not guilty.

(AP)