Feds arrest Mass. senator on corruption charges

Lawyer Blogs

A state senator who lost the Democratic primary last month was arrested by the FBI on Tuesday and charged with accepting $23,500 in bribes from undercover agents she believed were local businessmen.

Sen. Dianne Wilkerson was charged with attempted extortion as a public official and theft of honest services as a state senator. She did not enter a plea during an initial court appearance Tuesday.

She faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines on each count.

Wilkerson, 53, lost the Democratic primary in September to former teacher Sonia Chang-Diaz despite support from Mayor Thomas Menino and Gov. Deval Patrick. She is running a write-in campaign for the Nov. 4 election, in hopes of retaining the seat she has held since 1993.

Wilkerson was ordered Tuesday to have no contact with witnesses and retain any documents related to the extortion case or to her personal finances.

In asking for those conditions, Assistant U.S. Attorney John McNeil said Wilkerson has a "long history of acting as if she is above the law."

Wilkerson's attorney, Max Stern, said she would obey the judge. She has been released on an unsecured $50,000 bond.

Related listings

  • Condemned Ky. inmate wants to end all appeals

    Condemned Ky. inmate wants to end all appeals

    Lawyer Blogs 10/28/2008

    A Kentucky inmate who has pushed to swiftly be put to death for killing two children said Tuesday he's mentally prepared to die but fears a legal fight could delay his execution."I believe it's finally going to be over. I'm getting myself prepared to...

  • Report: FDA officials opposed drug suit policy

    Report: FDA officials opposed drug suit policy

    Lawyer Blogs 10/28/2008

    Top scientists and career employees at the Food and Drug Administration opposed agency regulations that weaken consumers' ability to sue drug makers, congressional investigators said Wednesday.At issue is language in a drug labeling rule from 2006 th...

  • NY man named with Leno in lawsuit commits suicide

    NY man named with Leno in lawsuit commits suicide

    Lawyer Blogs 10/23/2008

    A parking garage executive sued along with "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno over their purchases of valuable vintage cars apparently has killed himself in upstate New York.Police in Warwick said Dennis Ricca died Oct. 17 of a single gunshot wound to the ...

New Rochelle, New York Personal Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact Kommer, Bave & Ollman, LLP, in New Rochelle, New York, immediately. We can answer all your questions and work with you to determine if you have the grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. The attorneys at our firm are determined to resolve even the most difficult of cases. We will work closely with you to determine the best course of action to get your claim or case resolved in the most efficient way possible. We will fight for your right to compensation! No one should have to suffer a financial burden from the result of another person’s carelessness. The attorneys at Kommer, Bave & Ollman, LLP will aggressively fight to ensure that justice is served on your behalf.

Business News

New York & New Jersey Family Law Matters We represent our clients in all types of proceedings that include termination of parental rights. >> read