New details are emerging surrounding the federal corruption case against former House Speaker Gordon Fox, who pleaded guilty to bribery, wire fraud and filing a false tax return. Fox is scheduled for sentencing on Thursday.
According to a court document, Fox ordered a brand new, $50,000 Audi in 2008. That was just a month after he accepted a bribe for about the same amount. Prosecutors point to it an example of Fox quote “living large.” At the same time, his personal income was listed at $73,000 a year.
Fox took the bribe while serving on the Providence licensing board. And he has admitted to helping the former owners of the Shark Sushi Bar and Grill get a liquor license.
He has also admitted to taking more than $100,000 from his campaign fund, and using false tax returns to hide the income.
Prosecutors are calling for a three year prison sentence. The judge has discretion over sentencing, but justices rarely reject the terms of a plea deal.
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