A compilation of politicians who thought they were above the law while in office reveals a disturbing trend. While elected officials are entrusted to prioritize constituents’ needs, some succumb to the allure of power and financial gain. Notably, high-profile cases involve illicit transactions for personal benefit, tarnishing the public’s trust in governance. The list underscores the prevalence of corruption within political spheres and the ensuing repercussions, as several offenders have faced legal consequences for their actions.
Dennis Malone
In the pursuit of manipulating the candidacy for Clarkstown Highway Superintendent, Frank Sparaco, a Rockland County legislator from the Republican party, faced repeated bribery attempts. Promptly reporting the situation, Sparaco cooperated with officials, employing covert audio recordings to expose Dennis Malone, a Democratic candidate, engaged in illicit activities.
Malcolm Smith
In 2008, New York Senator Malcolm Smith adopted a common political strategy by organizing a golf fundraiser with lobbyists. However, controversy arose when it was alleged that Smith equated campaign contributions to an IPO, implying that early financial support would enhance influence during his tenure. Despite a grand jury investigation, formal charges are yet to be pressed against Smith, leaving the situation in a state of legal uncertainty and casting a shadow over his political practices.
William Boyland, Jr.
Accused in a bribery scandal involving eight individuals, Assemblyman William Boyland faced allegations of accepting millions to prevent Walmart’s entry into NYC and engaging in other corrupt legislative dealings. While acquitted of federal corruption charges, Boyland encountered a subsequent arrest on a separate bribery charge. 2013, he maintained his innocence, entering a not-guilty plea against the bribery accusation and additional mail fraud charges.
Chuck Turner
Tarnishing his reputation as a 60s activist, Chuck Turner misused his role on the Boston City Council, accepting $1,000 for facilitating a liquor license. This transgression led to his unprecedented expulsion, making him the first Boston City Council member to face such a fate. Subsequently, Turner received a three-year prison sentence, yet his release occurred after serving 28 months.
Derrick Smith
In 2012, Chicago representative Derrick Smith found himself under arrest, accused of accepting a $7,000 bribe. The allegation stemmed from his purported agreement to draft a supportive letter for a fictitious daycare seeking a state grant. This elaborate ruse unfolded as part of a sting operation, revealing a breach of ethical conduct within the political sphere. Smith’s arrest shed light on the challenges of maintaining integrity and trustworthiness in public office, raising concerns about the potential exploitation of legislative influence for personal gain.
Carl Kruger
Accused in 2011, New York State Senator Carl Kruger faced allegations of accepting $1 million in bribes, along with seven others, to impede Walmart’s entry into NYC. The charges implicated him in supporting legislation and seeking favors for those who provided the bribes. Consequently, Kruger received a 7-year prison sentence. Ballotpedia offers additional insights into Kruger’s biography and the details of his criminal activities.
Rod Blagojevich
Arrested on numerous political corruption charges, including the conspiracy to solicit bribes, Rod Blagojevich gained notoriety as a national figure. His quest for financial gain during the search for a Senate replacement after Obama’s election led to his conviction. In 2011, Blagojevich received a 14-year sentence, underscoring the consequences of abusing political power for personal gain.
Eric Stevenson
Embroiled in a bribery scandal, Bronx Assemblyman Eric Stevenson faced allegations when his accomplice turned FBI informant. Stevenson, accused of taking bribes to influence legislation, awaits sentencing. On January 13, 2014, he was convicted of bribery and extortion, leading to the forfeiture of his Assembly seat. Subsequently, on May 21, 2014, he received a three-year prison sentence. Despite this, Stevenson, with a prior felony, explored a congressional run in June 2019. GovTrack documents 491 instances of alleged legislator misconduct in the U.S. Congress.
Dianne Wilkerson
Facing FBI charges, ex-Massachusetts Senator Dianne Wilkerson was apprehended for receiving bribes amounting to $23,500. In 2008, she resigned from her position, subsequently being sentenced to 3.5 years in prison. Delving deeper into Wilkerson’s history, The History Makers provides additional insights into her political career and legal troubles.
Isaac Carothers
In 2007, Alderman Isaac Carothers received $11,000 from an FBI undercover informant posing as a developer seeking assistance with zoning changes. Additionally, he supposedly accepted $40,000 in home improvements in exchange for facilitating zoning modifications for another developer. Carothers admitted guilt and was subsequently sentenced to 28 months in prison.
Marcelo Co
January 2013 marked the exposure of Marcelo Co, a Moreno Valley City Councilman, caught on tape accepting a substantial $2.36 million bribe from an undercover FBI agent. Acting as a fake land broker, the agent sought favorable council land-use decisions for his purported business. This bribe, the largest ever accepted in a U.S. sting operation, led Co to express intentions of pleading guilty to charges of bribery and tax fraud.
Daniel J. Halloran III
Facing federal corruption charges in 2013, New York City Councilman Dan Halloran was arrested for his alleged involvement in helping Malcolm Smith obtain bribes to secure a place on the Republican mayoral ballot. Despite not yet facing charges, Halloran opted against seeking re-election for city council. On July 29, 2014, he was convicted of bribery, payoffs, and facilitating the scheme for Smith. Subsequently, on March 4, 2015, Halloran received a 10-year sentence. Presently residing on Long Island, he is currently appealing the case to the 2nd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals as of February 2020.
Ron Calderon
In 2013, the FBI conducted raids on the offices of California Senator Ronald Calderon and the California Latino Legislative Caucus he chaired. Allegations surfaced of Calderon accepting an $88k bribe from an undercover FBI agent, leaked to Al Jazeera America. While formal charges are pending, Calderon faced repercussions with a suspension from his committee assignments.
William J. Jefferson
In 2005, a video captured Rep William J. Jefferson accepting $100k from an FBI informant, yet he managed re-election that year. His political trajectory was downturned in 2007 when he faced indictment on 16 felony charges. The legal proceedings concluded with a substantial 13-year sentence, marking one of the most extended terms for a bribery conviction. This series of events underscores the challenges in addressing corruption within the political sphere and the subsequent legal repercussions for those involved.
Spiro Agnew
The year 1973 witnessed the investigation of Spiro Agnew, the 39th Vice President of the United States, on charges encompassing bribery, extortion, conspiracy, and tax fraud. Accusations of accepting bribes exceeding $100,000 surfaced, prompting Agnew’s resignation and subsequently facilitating Gerald Ford’s unexpected elevation to the presidency. This tumultuous episode marked a significant juncture in American political history, casting a shadow over the office and emphasizing the imperative need for integrity and accountability in the highest echelons of government.
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