Ahead of a June trial on alleged bid-rigging in the Buffalo Billion state-led development project, former LPCiminelli executive Kevin Schuler has accepted a plea deal and will serve as a cooperating witness.

Schuler, who was vice president of the company at the time, pleaded guilty to two counts: conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.

LPCiminelli allegedly helped rig bids for major projects within the Buffalo Billion, including the giant Tesla Gigafactory at the RiverBend site.

Schuler faces up to 40 years in prison; however, in exchange for cooperation, prosecutors will not recommend a specific sentence to the court.

As part of the deal secured by the United States Attorney's Office of the Southern District of New York, it is understood that Schuler will disclose any information the office asks of him, including any documents, records or other tangible evidence. He also agreed to testify before a grand jury and at trial if asked.

The government asked for a bribery charge against Schuler to be dismissed. It said it believed there was not sufficient evidence to proceed to trial against the defendant on that count.

Five defendants remain, including former SUNY Polytechnic head Alain Kaloyeros; Lou Ciminelli and Michael Liapple, two other LPCiminelli executives facing bribery accusation connected to the Buffalo Billion initiative, and two Syracuse developers.