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January 31, 2007

Celona case: Governor pleased 'nobody above the law'

Governor Carcieri issued a statement after the corruption sentencings today of former state Sen. John A. Celona and former Roger Williams Medical Center executives Robert A. Urciuoli and Frances P. Driscoll that said in part:

“It is certainly a sad day when a public official is sentenced for violating the laws that he was sworn to uphold. It is equally disheartening when two executives from one of our state’s respected medical centers are sentenced for their roles in attempting to buy influence in the General Assembly.

“But I am pleased that our system also holds people accountable for their actions, that nobody is above the law, and that these instances of corruption are being pursued vigorously,” he continued.

“We all know that there is much more work to be done to close loopholes that have led to these types of abuses in government,” Carcieri said, pledging to continue to bring about reforms to the ethics code to establish greater accountability.

Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts said that the convictions further tarnish citizen's faith in their elected officals.

"Another sad account of corruption comes to a conclusion today. These criminal acts continue to undermine public trust in government," she said in a statement, noting that she had some hope for the future.

"Good government, led by honorable and decent people, can do great things for Rhode Island and I am hopeful that this sentencing will allow us to concentrate fully on restoring the public's faith through our continued dedication," she said.

-- With reports from projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Andrea Panciera  at 6:49 PM | Permalink

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