Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Sen. Dianne Wilkerson arrested by FBI on corruption charges

Sen. Dianne Wilkerson arrested by FBI on corruption charges

State Sen. Dianne Wilkerson was set free this afternoon on a $50,000 bond after appearing in federal court on attempted extortion charges following a "painstaking" 18-month investigation, during which she was allegedly caught on tape stuffing a cash bribe into her bra, according to a complaint.
"Dianne Wilkerson accepted these cash payments in exchange for her official duties and responsibilities," said U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan during a morning news conference at the federal courthouse.
Wilkerson, who was carrying $6,000 in her purse when she was arrested today, faces charges of attempted extortion and theft of honest services as a state senator, stemming from a money-for-legislation sting operation, officials said.
A federal criminal complaint alleges that Wilkerson was busted for accepting eight bribes, totaling $23,500, in exchange for her influence on Beacon Hill.
One undercover video shows Wilkerson allegedly taking $1,000 in cash from an undercover agent and stuffing it into her bra during a June 2007 lunch at No. 9 Park.

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