The trial opened this morning for Tamaqua restaurateur Alfonso "Alfie" Picone, who is accused of bilking an elderly couple out of $315,000.

John Burnard, 94, testified that his wife, Ella, handled the finances, but sought help as her mental abilities declined.

They had been going to Picone's restaurant for about 20 years, and became friends with Picone, who began to help Ella Burnard write checks to pay bills.

Burnard testified he was aware of Picone being given checks for $20,000 and $30,000 to "help with the restaurant," but said it was with the understanding the money would be repaid.

The couple eventually added him to their investment account so he could help pay the bills.

"Did you ever give Alfie permission to take $300,000 from your investment account?" prosecutor Michelle Laucella asked.

"Never," Burnard replied.

Picone's defense lawyer, Ross Miller, sought to establish that the elderly couple was close to Picone, and knowingly and willingly gave him large amounts of money.

Ella Burnard died in June.

Testimony will continue this afternoon.