Gordon Fox Documents reveal lavish lifestyle

June 9, 2015 5:19 pm

By: Melissa Randall
mrandall@abc6.com
@MRandallABC6

Court documents released just two days before Gordon Fox’s sentencing are providing new insight in the case against the former House Speaker. The memo filed in Federal Court Tuesday show the disgraced politician was living a lavish lifestyle that he couldn’t afford.

According to the documents Fox, who was once the state’s most powerful politician, spent the thousands of dollars he took in bribes and campaign finances. Shortly after pocketing a $52,000 pay off to help the Shark Bar get a liquor license Fox bought an expensive brand new Audi. Meanwhile neither he nor his partner made a single cash withdrawal from a bank or ATM.

Earlier this year Fox pleaded guilty to bribery, wire fraud and filing a false tax return. Prosecutors say 3 years in federal prison is a reasonable sentence given the unique circumstances. The five year statute of limitations on the bribery count expired, but Fox agreed to waive it as part of a plea deal.

“He accepted responsibility for his crimes and expressed remorse,” wrote Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan. “He waived indictment in this case and surrendered his law license.”

In a separate memo also filed Tuesday Fox’s lawyer says the 53 year old committed the crimes because his life was not in order.

“He acknowledges that there are no excuses for his criminal behavior,” wrote William Murphy in favor of the 3 year punishment.

Concerned citizens are also weighing in. Dozens of people have been writing letters to the court. Some are calling for a harsher sentence for Fox. Others are asking for a more lenient one. The judge ultimately makes the decision. Sentencing is set for 9:30 Thursday morning at the U.S. Courthouse in Providence.