Ex-Sen. Wilkerson Enters Guilty Plea To Corruption Charges

Federal prosecutors are recommending a sentence of no more than four years in prison for former state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson, who has pleaded guilty to corruption charges.

The Boston Democrat entered the pleas to eight counts of attempted extortion at a hearing in U.S. District Court on Thursday. She pled guilty to eight of the 32 charges levied against her. The government dismissed the remaining charges — honest services charges and conspiracy charges — in exchange for the guilty plea.

Radio Boston's Adam Ragusea On The Pleahttp://audio.wbur.org/storage/2010/06/news_0603_wilkerson.mp3

Wilkerson will remain free on bail until her sentencing on Sept. 20.

Defense attorneys will be allowed to argue for a lower sentence.

Wilkerson was caught on video stuffing what prosecutors said was bribe money into her sweater and bra.

She was arrested in October 2008 and accused of taking $23,500 in bribes to help get a liquor license for a nightclub and helping an undercover agent posing as a businessman who wanted to develop state property.

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