Chuck Turner Guilty On All Counts
BOSTON (CBS/AP) - Boston city councilor Chuck Turner has been found guilty of accepting a $1,000 bribe and lying to FBI agents.
A federal jury on Friday convicted Chuck Turner of attempted extortion and three counts of making false statements.
Turner said on way out of court that the jury got it wrong. He told reporters he doesn't mind going to jail and he has no intention of stepping down.
The 70-year old Turner faces a maximum of 35 years in prison.
Prosecutors said Turner accepted a wad of cash in a handshake with businessman Ron Wilburn during a 2007 meeting.
During his trial, Turner took the witness stand to defend himself, insisting that he did not take the bribe from Wilburn, who was seeking help in getting a liquor license from the city and was cooperating with the FBI.
Turner acknowledged that a videotape shows Wilburn passing something to him in a handshake, but said he did not remember receiving cash from Wilburn.
Boston Mayor Tom Menino released a statement after the verdict was announced saying it is a sad and unfortunate day for the city. "I remain shocked at the actions Councilor Turner has been found guilty of today and will continue to work hard promoting a spirit of public trust and confidence in our elected officials and government agencies," he added.
City Council President Mike Ross says the council has the ability to vote to remove members and that he expects a hearing on that in the next month or two.
Podcast
City Council President Mike Ross talks with WBZ News Radio
Turner is free until his sentencing Jan. 25.
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