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November 30, 2007

Appeals court to hear Urciuoli, Driscoll arguments

Oral arguments are scheduled for Monday in the First Circuit Court of Appeals, Boston, in the case of two former top Roger Williams Medical Center officials convicted of paying a state senator to carry out the hospital's agenda at the State House.

Robert Urciuoli, who was medical center president, and Frances P. Driscoll, who was a senior vice president, were convicted in October 2006. They're both arguing that instructions U.S. District Court Judge Ernest C. Torres gave to jurors before deliberations prejudiced the case.

Former state Sen. John A. Celona, a North Providence Democrat, was hired to a supposed job at an assisted living center and nursing home linked to the medical center. Prosecutors alleged that Celona's $700 to $1,000 weekly salary was payment to stop legislation that ran against the hospital's interests.

Arguments will be heard at about 10:15 a.m.

In September, prosecutors told the appeals court that the trial judge gave correct jury instructions.

Federal prosecutors have been conducting a broad probe of alleged State House corruption. Most recently, Gerard M. Martineau, the former house majority leader, pleaded guilty to two felony charges.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 12:11 PM | Permalink

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