CORRUPTION CAUGHT ON TAPE

October 28, 2008 by Administrator

Eight-term Massachusetts State Senator Dianne Wilkerson was arrested this morning on public corruption charges stemming from her acceptance of more than $20,000 in cash payments to introduce legislation in the State Senate according to the US Attorney’s office.

This afternoon, the office released some of their extensive pieces of evidence – including photos of the Senator allegedly accepting cash bribes and putting it into her bra.

According to the Brockton Enterprise:

In one photograph, Wilkerson appears to be stuffing a pile of cash under her sweater and inside her bra. In the affidavit, an FBI agent said the incident occurred on June 18, 2007, at the bar at No. 9 Park restaurant on Beacon Hill. The money was allegedly handed to Wilkerson by a cooperating witness who Wilkerson promised to help obtain the liquor license.

According to the MetroWest Daily News, the affidavit that was filed in the case outlines a lengthy investigation with piles of evidence.

According to a federal criminal complaint, Wilkerson was recorded by audio and videotape accepting bribes.

Between June 2007 and March 2008, Wilkerson allegedly took $8,500 in cash payments from an undercover agent and a cooperating witness to help a proposed nightclub in her district get a liquor license.

She allegedly pressured the Boston License Board, Mayor Thomas Menino and the City Council on behalf of the nightclub, and delayed legislation that would have increased the salaries of members of the licensing board.

Beginning in June, she allegedly accepted $15,000 in payments in exchange for helping an undercover officer posing as a businessman to avoid the bidding process to develop state property in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood.

Her arraignment was scheduled for 3:00pm in Federal court. There has been no statement from either Wilkerson or her attorney.

See For Yourself: Wilkerson Affidavit (PDF)

See For Yourself: Wilkerson Exhibits (PDF)

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