Former Massachusetts State Sen. Dianne Wilkerson now faces 23 criminal charges in addition to bribery charges from last October, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday in a press release.’ ‘
A Boston federal grand jury issued nine counts of theft of honest services mail fraud and 14 counts of theft of honest services wire fraud against Wilkerson after an 18-month investigation. Mail and wire fraud occurs when the postal service is used to unlawfully obtain money or valuables.’
Wilkerson already faces nine charges of attempting and conspiring to extort cash under color of official right, which is when a public official uses his or her position to receive unlawful payment, according to the Hobbs Act.
Wilkerson resigned from her position after eight terms in office Nov. 19.
If Wilkerson is found guilty, she faces up to 20 years imprisonment, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine on each of the 32 charges, according to the release.’
The indictment requires Wilkerson and Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner (Roxbury, Dorchester) to return any money they received from undercover FBI agents throughout the investigation. Turner remains charged with five counts of extortion and false statement.
If convicted, Turner faces upwards of 25 years in prison.
The case is still under investigation. Calls to Wilkerson representatives after office hours were not returned.
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