NEW: Sentences Handed Down in North Prov. Corruption Case
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Joseph S. Burchfield and Raymond L. Douglas – both former North Providence town councilmen – and Edward Imondi, a North Providence businessman, were sentenced to federal prison on Monday for their roles in a major corruption case.
An FBI investigation revealed that Burchfield and Douglas conspired together in a scheme to extort bribes in exchange for favorable council votes. They negotiated illegal deals in which they would receive $25,000 in exchange for a supermarket development zoning change and $75,000 for a residential zoning change. They also attempted to extort $3,000 from a local bar owner seeking a liquor license and $5,000 from a restaurant owner seeking an extended hours permit, but they were never paid.
In addition, Douglas also operated an illegal gambling business in North Providence, which accepted illegal bets on various college and professional sporting games. Douglas pleaded guilty to using extortion to collect gambling debts.
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For his crimes, Burchfield was sentenced to 64 months in federal prison followed by a 3 year supervised release, and a $10,000 fine. Douglas, with his additional gambling crimes, will pay a $12,500 fine and serve 78 months in federal prison followed by a 3 year supervised release. They were also required to forfeit any bribe money they collected.
The North Providence Businessman, Edward Imondi, acted as a middleman for the councilmen and delivered $21,000 in bribe money. Imondi, age 74, was sentenced to 12 month and one day in federal prison. The first 12 months will be served in home confinement, and following his sentence, Imondi will be under a 3 year supervised release.
John A. Zambarano, a fellow conspirator and former town councilman, pleaded guilty for his role in the bribery schemes and is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday. Another middleman for the crimes, Attorney Robert S Ciresi, will be sentenced on July 28.
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