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2 Top Mass. Probation Aides Granted Immunity

Two one-time top aides to the former Massachusetts probation commissioner facing corruption charges for overseeing what authorities called a rigged hiring process have been granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for testifying against their ex-boss in federal and state corruption investigations.

Prosecutors in the state attorney general's confirmed Tuesday that Edward Ryan and Francis Wall are cooperating with them. Ryan was the legislative liaison for former probation chief John O'Brien, while Wall was O'Brien's deputy commissioner.

The Boston Globe reports that confirmation came when their names surfaced in Suffolk ­Superior Court about the state's bribery case against O'Brien.

O'Brien has also pleaded not guilty to federal charges of racketeering, conspiracy and mail fraud.

Prosecutors say job applicants were hired not on the basis of qualifications, but based on political connections.

This program aired on July 18, 2012. The audio for this program is not available.

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