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September 27, 2006

Prosecution rests its case against Urciuoli, others

The government has rested in the corruption trial of Robert A. Urciuoli, Frances P. Driscoll and Peter J. Sangermano Jr.

At 12:30 this afternoon, Asst. U.S. Atty. Luis Matos announced that the prosecution had completed its case. The jury could have the case by the end of the week, depending on the judge’s ruling later today on defense motions to acquit and what witnesses the defense chooses to present. No one has said whether any of the defendants intend to testify.

The government rested after the testimony of lobbyist Kelly Sheridan, who related his dealings with former state Sen. John A. Celona in 2003 on behalf of his client, United Healthcare.

United was involved in a dispute with Roger Williams Medical Center over reimbursements. Sheridan testified that Celona called him and said that he had heard from Urciuoli, the president of Roger Williams, that negotiations weren’t going well, and that it would be in the interest of both sides to get together and try to work things out.

Celona requested a meeting between Urciuoli and the president of United. Sheridan said he arranged it, out of deference to Celona’s position as the chairman of a Senate committee that controlled health-care legislation.

On cross-examination, Sheridan said that he did not feel pressured by Celona. He also disputed an e-mail from Celona to Urciuoli, in which Celona reported a phone conversation with Sheridan two months after the State House meeting. Celona wrote Urciuoli that Sheridan had reported that United Healthcare was willing to increase its reimbursements to Roger Williams.

-- Journal staff writer Michael Stanton

Posted by Jack Perry  at 1:30 PM | Permalink

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