Patronage on Trial

Coverage of the federal racketeering trial of former Probation Commissioner John O’Brien.

O’Brien judge bows out

Saylor recuses himself but rips defense lawyers for being manipulative

By Jack Sullivan Ethics and Open Government, State Government 0 Comments Mar 6, 2014

The federal judge in the corruption trial of former Probation commissioner John O’Brien recused himself Thursday but not before excoriating defense attorneys for bringing the motion as retaliation for ruling against them in a number of prior motions. US District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV says he based his decision on the fact that(...)

Possible Probation witness lists filed

DeLeo, Murray, Weld, Ireland named

By Jack Sullivan Ethics and Open Government, State Government 0 Comments Feb 25, 2014

Defense Witness List Prosecution Witness List The prosecution and defense teams in the federal corruption trial of former Probation commissioner John J. O’Brien on Tuesday filed lists of people they may call as witnesses, including House Speaker Robert DeLeo, Senate President Therese Murray, Rep. Garrett Bradley, former Gov. William Weld, and Roderick Ireland, the chief(...)

Lawmakers get immunity

Federal prosecutors have granted immunity to state legislators in the upcoming racketeering trial of the former probation commissioner and his aides.

By Jack Sullivan Ethics and Open Government 0 Comments Feb 24, 2014

Lawyers for former Probation commissioner John O’Brien revealed that a number of state legislators have been granted immunity by federal prosecutors in exchange for their testimony in the one-time powerful official’s racketeering and corruption trial. The revelation came during an often-contentious hearing on a motion by O’Brien’s attorneys for Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to(...)

DeLeo’s probation problem

Federal trial of Probation Commissioner John J. O’Brien likely to shine unflattering spotlight on the House speaker

By Paul McMorrow State Government 0 Comments Jan 30, 2014

Laughter and applause rained down on the House chamber on Wednesday. Beacon Hill lawmakers sent one of their own off in style, welcomed a new member to their ranks, and cheered on their leader as he outlined his legislative vision for the year. The man behind the rostrum, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, enjoyed the show.(...)