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Judge To Sentence Ex-State Sen. Wilkerson

After months of postponement, a federal judge will sentence disgraced former state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson Thursday. She has plead guilty to eight counts of attempted extortion.

In this 2007 file photo, state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson listens during a hearing at the State House. (AP)
In this 2007 file photo, state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson listens during a hearing at the State House. (AP)

Earlier this week, Wilkerson sent a letter to the judge, requesting leniency. Her pastor says Wilkerson "has been broken by God."

Back in 2008, she was broken by a FBI sting operation that secretly taped her accepting $23,500 in bribes from a Roxbury businessman.

Federal guidelines call for a sentence between 36 and 46 months in prison.

Prosecutors want her to serve four years, citing a history of tax evasion, ethical misconduct and uncharged crimes.

Citing what they call her compassionate public service, letter writers, defense lawyers and Wilkerson herself are asking the judge, who once prosecuted political corruption, to show mercy.

Earlier Coverage:

This program aired on January 6, 2011. The audio for this program is not available.

Headshot of David Boeri

David Boeri Senior Reporter
Now retired, David Boeri was a senior reporter at WBUR.

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