Former Rhode Island House Speaker Pleads Guilty to Corruption
Twitter: @markcurtisABC6
Walking out of Federal Court, former Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox was emotional after pleading guilty to corruption.
“I mean the people close to me, the people that looked up to me, my family, I mean it’s tough,” Fox said, chocking back tears.
Fox was charged with wire fraud, for moving over 100 thousand dollars from his campaign war chest, into personal accounts.
He also admitted guilt for taking a 52 thousand dollar bribe for allowing a liquor license at the Shark Bar on
“His corrupt conduct has resulted in his removal home from high office, and deservedly so… The people’s House should be occupied by elected officials, who sold office to serve the people, not themselves,” said U.S. Attorney Peter Noronha, who prosecuted the case.
ABC6 Chief Political Reporter Mark Curtis said, “Now in exchange for his guilty plea, former Speaker Fox will receive a sentence of 3 years in federal prison.”
But that’s only if the judge agrees with the prosecutor’s recommendation. Formal sentencing is on June 11th, and people outside the courthouse want Fox in prison.
“I guess he’s getting what he deserves, he got caught with his hands in the cookie jar,” said one.
“It’s really ridiculous. Someone that is in public office, is supposed to be setting the bar for the rest of us,” said another.
Fox admits his behavior crossed the line. He said he will have more to say in June after sentencing.
“It’s tough!” Fox said. Reporter Curtis asks: “You served the state over 20 years, now it ends in ends by going to prison?”
“That’s how it ends Mark. Hopefully Mr. Fox will be able to put this behind him. He’s already taken the first step by accepting responsibility,” said defense attorney William Murphy, who was also Fox’s predecessor as House Speaker.
For now Fox is a free man, until his June sentencing.
