Sentencing Delayed For Ex-Mass. State Senator

December 22, 2010

Former Massachusetts state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson, center, leaves federal court in Boston Dec. 10, 2008, where she pleaded not guilty to new charges in an ongoing corruption probe. She later pleaded guilty. (AP)

A federal judge is delaying the sentencing of former state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson for corruption charges.

Wilkerson was scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday, but both the prosecution and the defense asked U.S. District Court Judge Douglas Woodlock to consider additional information first.

On Wednesday, Woodlock heard more testimony from Dorchester developer Azeed Mohammed, who claims Wilkerson solicited bribes. Mohammed told the judge he gave Wilkerson $5,000 over a four-year period.

Wilkerson was not charged over those alleged payments, and her lawyer has said she did not solicit the money.

The defense may also have Wilkerson herself take the stand to explain her request for leniency.

"The battle here today is over how to persuade the judge," WBUR's David Boeri said from federal courthouse.

Sentencing is now set for Jan. 6.

Wilkerson pleaded guilty in June to eight counts of attempted extortion after she was captured on video stuffing bribe money into her bra. She was accused of taking $23,500 in bribes to help get a liquor license for a nightclub and an undercover agent posing as a businessman.

Earlier Coverage:

This program aired on December 22, 2010. The audio for this program is not available.