Mass. State Sen. Wilkerson resigns after bribery charges
BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson resigned from office yesterday, a day after being indicted on eight federal counts of attempted extortion for allegedly accepting $23,500 in bribes from undercover agents she thought were businessmen.
Wilkerson, 53, made her resignation in a handwritten letter sent to Senate President Therese Murray.
She had faced increasing pressure to step down — and possible expulsion by her Senate colleagues — since she was arrested last month after being photographed by the FBI allegedly stuffing bribe money under her sweater.
Murray, who announced the resignation on the Senate floor, said the shadow is lifting off the chamber and the "moral fiber" of the Senate remains strong.
"Dianne Wilkerson has made the right decision," Murray said. "With her resignation, the good work of the Senate will continue as we commit ourselves to ensuring the public trust."
Wilkerson, in her eighth term on Beacon Hill, is the second member of the 40-member Senate to resign in the past six days. James Marzilli, an Arlington Democrat, resigned Friday as he awaits trial on charges of sexually harassing four women in Lowell.
