New Haven (AP) — A federal judge has begun instructing jurors on how to deliberate the fate of former Gov. John G. Rowland in advance of closing arguments in his federal conspiracy trial.

Rowland is accused of conspiring to work on two political campaigns while disguising those payments in business deals.

Prosecutors say Rowland was paid $35,000 to work on a 2012 political campaign but helped hide those payments through a consulting contract with a nursing home chain owned by her husband.

They say he tried to strike a similar deal in 2010 with another candidate.

Rowland says he never worked for the 2010 candidate. He also says his work for the nursing home chain was legitimate and that his campaign work was done as a volunteer.

Closing arguments are Thursday afternoon.