Posted on 09/20/2005 3:58:13 PM PDT by SmithL
Bridgeport -- In the latest in a string of corruption cases in Connecticut, a former state senator pleaded guilty Tuesday to felony charges of receiving a bribe, mail fraud and tax evasion.
Sen. Ernest Newton II acknowledged in federal court that he accepted a $5,000 bribe in exchange for helping the director of a job training agency secure a $100,000 grant.
As part of a plea agreement, Newton also admitted filing false tax returns and diverting $40,000 in campaign contributions for personal use over five years.
Asked as he left court what he had done with the money, Newton said, "I don't know nothing about that." Reminded that he had just pleaded guilty, he said, "I didn't buy a new house, a new car, nothing like that."
Newton, 49, will remain free until his sentencing Dec. 19. Newton faces a maximum of 35 years in prison, but prosecutors have said they will ask for less time because he accepted responsibility.
Last month, Warren K. Godbolt, executive director of the nonprofit Progressive Training Associates in Bridgeport, pleaded guilty to paying the bribe.
Newton announced his resignation last week and submitted it Monday. Gov. M. Jodi Rell has scheduled a special election for Nov. 14 to fill Newton's Senate seat.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
But, I am sorry to say, I still don't agree. When you take what is wrong as given, it gets worse. And, when you don't it often, if not always, gets better. So I cannot agree with your taking as status quo that "politicians will be politicians." You will never correct all wrongs and eradicate all evil, but you do what you can. And you are glad if someone else has done that also. In this case, one more crook is caught.
P.S. I can and should be proud of your accomplishments: yours was not the easiest path to success, and yet you have achieved it.
Regards, EP.
When this story was reported on the 1/2 hour newsbreaks on WTIC 1080 radio a few days ago, the reporters (one of them specifically was Matt Dwyer) NEVER mentioned that Newton was a democRAT! Funny how the word "Republican" was constantly thrown around when ex-Gov. John Rowland was in the news every day...
Please Freepmail me if you want on or off my infrequent Connecticut ping list.
Take care.
This is just word economy. The AP leaves out the word "Democrat" to shorten the article. They can do this because leaving it out means that it IS there to begin with. ratmedia convoluted thinking, I guess.
Asked as he left court what he had done with the money, Newton said, "I don't know nothing about that." Reminded that he had just pleaded guilty, he said, "I didn't buy a new house, a new car, nothing like that."
"Wuh'd i do?"
Groove Phi Groove Outstanding Political Achievement Award
Za?
Newton, 49, will remain free until his sentencing Dec. 19. Newton faces a maximum of 35 years in prison, but prosecutors have said they will ask for less time because he accepted responsibility.
Can you say "risk of flight"? CAN the prosecutors consider all the "i'm innocent" public statements he's BEEN making all along in their deliberations?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.