Mass. state senator indicted, resigns seat
From Sunshine Review
20 November 2008
Massachusetts State Senator Diane Wilkerson was indicted by a grand jury on November 18 on 8 counts of attempted extortion. Hours before the Senate Ethics Committee was to issue recommendations on her possible expulsion, Wilkerson resigned the seat she has held for nearly 16 years.[1]
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[edit] Indictment
Along with the eight counts, the indictment also seeks the forfeiture of over $23,000 in payments Wilkerson received from undercover agents and a cooperating witness during the investigation. The indictment renewed calls for the senator to resign her post.
Free on a $50,000 unsecured bond, Wilkerson faces the possibility of up to 20 years in jail, 3 years supervised release and fines of $250,000 for each of the eight counts if she is convicted.[2]
[edit] Resignation
The day following the indictment, facing the possibility of being voted out by her colleagues, Wilkerson submitted a two sentence resignation to Senate President Therese Murry.
In response, Murry gave a dramatic speech on the senate floor, asking lawmakers to "commit ourselves to ensuring the public trust." She continued, "And though one person may cast a temporary shadow, we are too strong, too determined, and too righteous as a collective body to allow any doubt to linger. I don't know if we will ever hear an apology from those who should offer one. . . . I hope we do someday."[1]
There has been indication of when the resignation will happen. If she hangs on to her office until her term expires in January, she would qualify for an additional year of credit for her state pension, which would boost her annual payment by almost $2,000, according to an online state pension calculator.[3]
[edit] Second resignation in days
Resigning just days prior to Wilkerson was Sen. J. James Marzilli, who was indicted on charges of accosting four women. They are the first resignations from the state senate due to criminal investigations since 1977.[1]
