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Connecticut Mayor Convicted of Racketeering19 March 2003NEW HAVEN, Connecticut – As reported by the Associated Press: "Bridgeport Mayor Joseph P. Ganim, who was praised for reviving Connecticut's largest city and dreamed of becoming governor, was convicted of racketeering and other charges Wednesday in the largest corruption case in recent state history. "He was convicted on 16 of 21 charges, including racketeering, extortion and bribery. No verdict was returned on four counts of mail fraud and one count of extortion. "The three most serious charges, racketeering, racketeering conspiracy and extortion, each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. "…Lou Bevilacqua, legislative liaison for the council, said the panel was researching potential legal action to remove Ganim if he does not bow out. "…Prosecutors, who called 52 witnesses, painted Ganim as mayor of a largely impoverished city who felt entitled to accept more than $500,000 in illegal benefits from his associates in return for steering millions of dollars in contracts to them and their clients. "…Ganim, a 43-year-old Democrat who has been mayor since 1991, was the only witness in his defense. He admitted he accepted some meals, wine and clothing, but called them gifts and denied they were in exchange for official actions…" |