My formerly home State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations is keeing up its long history of corrupt politicians.
In March 2014, we reported how Gordon Fox, the RI House Speaker and most powerful politician in Rhode Island was resigning after fed and state police raid.
Now we know why.
The FBI has issued a press release that Fox is pleading guilty to three federal charges:
Former Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon D. Fox, 53, of East Providence, has waived federal indictment and is expected to plead guilty in federal court to a three-count Information charging him with wire fraud, bribery and filing a false tax return. The charges stem from former Speaker Fox’s theft of $108,000 donated by campaign supporters to pay for personal expenses; his acceptance of a $52,000 bribe to advocate and move for issuance of a liquor license for an East Side restaurant while serving as Vice-Chairman of the City of Providence Board of Licenses in 2008; and his failure to account for these illegal sources of income on his tax returns….
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Fox maintained his composure in U.S. District Court in Providence, but his voice broke when admitting to the conduct and acknowledging he’d likely lose his law license.
Outside the courthouse, Fox was asked if he feels remorse.
“Absolutely, absolutely, without question,” he replied.
Fox began to cry when asked to comment on the charges. He said he could not because the case is still pending.
“I don’t want to be callous to any of the people in the state of Rhode Island, any donors, including the people close to me, the people that looked up to me. My family. It’s tough,” he said.
Tuesday’s plea brings an end to nearly a year of speculation about what the FBI, Internal Revenue Service and state police were investigating when they raided Fox’s home and Statehouse office March 21, 2014.
Fox was once considered among the most powerful politicians in state politics.
Fox acknowledges he received a $52,500 bribe in cash and checks in 2008 to help grant a liquor license to a bar near Brown University when he served as vice chairman of the board of licenses for Providence. He also acknowledges making about 28 interbank transfers totaling $108,000, taking the money from his campaign account and using it for personal expenses.
Prosecutors and Fox agreed to request a three-year prison sentence.
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