The retired chief testified in the Plunder Dome corruption trial that he’d helped King-Harris and others cheat.

King-Harris’s lawyers had argued that her rights were violated because she was deprived of an opportunity to cross-examine her accuser – Prignano and his right-hand man, retired Capt. John Ryan, refused to testify in the hearing.

While Gale lauded the city’s efforts to rid the Police Department of corrupt officers, the judge also wrote that it was “sadly ironic” that the city relied upon the statements of a chief who was largely responsible for the corruption.

Yesterday’s decision means that the sergeant is entitled to a new disciplinary hearing, this time without the testimony or statements from Prignano or two other retired police commanders.

Howard Croll, one of the sergeant’s lawyers, called yesterday’s decision “a tribute to fundamental fairness.” He intends to seek back pay for King-Harris, which he said will be “a substantial amount.”

Four officers were accused of being involved in a promotions scandal at the Police Department. King-Harris was the only one fired. Two other officers were demoted and suspended without pay. Capt. Martin F. Hames retired.

Esserman declined comment this afternoon until he has read the decision and spoken with the city’s lawyers. Vincent Ragosta, the Providence lawyer who represented the city, was not available for comment.

--Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits