Wilkerson Arrested By FBI
State Senator Dianne Wilkerson is in a bit of pickle…now having been arrested for accepting bribes.
State Senator Dianne Wilkerson was arrested this morning after an 18-month undercover investigation by Boston Police and the FBI in which she allegedly accepted eight bribes worth $23,500.
The 15-year Democratic lawmaker allegedly accepted cash payoffs that ranged from $500 to $10,000 to help a nightclub secure a liquor license and to assist a private developer who wanted to build on state land. Wilkerson allegedly tried to influence legislation in the state Senate as recently as last week to help the developer in the Crosstown section of Roxbury, near the intersection of Melnea Cass Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue.
The probe included one cooperating witness and at least two undercover FBI agents. Investigators made audio and video recordings and took still photographs of Wilkerson allegedly accepting cash payoffs starting in June 2007 and continuing through this month.
One series of photographs displayed by federal authorities at a press conference this morning show Wilkerson allegedly stuffing a $1,000 payoff into her bra during a meeting with an informant at No. 9 Park restaurant that was surreptitiously recorded with audio and video. The 10 $100 bills were not in an envelope and clearly visible in the photograph dated June 18, 2007.
According to a 32-page affidavit, Wilkerson also brought along a grandchild when she accepted a $1,000 kickback on Aug. 31, 2007, at the Fill-A-Buster restaurant, which is directly across the street from the State House.
“Public service is a privilege. Voters and taxpayers expect that elected officials will do what is right for their constituents, not what is financially best for themselves,” US Attorney Michael J. Sullivan said this morning at the press conference. “Citizens place extraordinary trust in those it gives the greatest authority. And with that authority comes the obligation to act with fairness and honesty.”
Wilkerson is expected to be arraigned this afternoon in US District Court in Boston. She faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted with more potential charges pending.
Wilkerson’s campaign manager Boyce Slayman confirmed that Wilkerson was led away in handcuffs.
The Massachusetts Republican Party issued the following statement in response to Wilkerson’s arrest. “The Massachusetts Democratic party has become a haven for criminals and corruption,” said MassGOP Executive Director Robert Willington. “This is not the Government that the people of Massachusetts deserve, and it is certainly not what the people want. Beacon Hill is broken, and full of lawmakers who simply want to tax and spend, when they’re not taking bribes or getting sweetheart deals from their friends. The choice for voters is clear: throw the corrupt Democrats out. Only then can we restore confidence in our Government.”
PolitickerMA.com is keeping an eye on this story.
Follow us on TwitterJoin us on Facebook
TAGS: corruption, Dianne Wilkerson, Massachusetts Republican Party, Robert Willington.
Aaron Margolis is a life long resident of the Bay State, and works at an architectural firm north of Boston. Aaron has a Master of Architecture Degree from Boston Architectural College and is currently in the process of becoming of a Registered Architect.
I’m a democrat who voted for Wilkerson two times (although not in the last primary. I voted for her opponent), and I, like most democrats in the state, expect her to live up to a reasonable standard of government and resign her seat. That said, it doesn’t matter much, as she’ll be removed by the ballot soon enough.
Didn’t take too much to wake you up did it Matt (SARC).
Sheesh….an anvil has to fall on some people.
So then V, I suppose you expected Ted Stevens, or any other Republican embroiled in any kind of scandal to resign their seats immediately. Is that about right? Since you have this infinite wisdom. Also, Wilkerson does have a long record of representing the interests of this area, which is why she has been reelected so many times. She usually doesn’t even have a major party opponent.
Oh come now Matt. There you go using the old liberal tactic of lumping me in (like you know me) with everyone else.
Of course Ted should resign. Like Tim Mahoney should (I notice you don’t use HIM as an example). “Embroiled in any kind of scandal” doesn’t mean guilty. Having the FBI take almost 2 years, pay you $28 thousand, and film you taking the bribes…..that’s a different story.
I make no claim to “infinite wisdom”. Only common sense, although to those of you without it, I guess they look the same).