From ABC 7 News:
Former Atlanta Mayor Indicted
Location: ATLANTA
Posted: August 30, 2004 11:39 AM EST
URL:
http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0804/169526.html
ATLANTA (AP) - Former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell was indicted on
racketeering, bribery and wire fraud charges following a five-year
federal investigation into corruption during his years at City Hall,
officials said Monday.
Campbell, who was mayor from 1994 to 2002, is accused of accepting
tens of thousands of dollars in illegal campaign contributions, cash,
travel and home improvements in exchange for city contracts.
The indictment, unsealed Monday, accuses Campbell of "a pattern and
practice of misconduct and illegal acts" that included seeking money
from people doing business with the city to line his own pockets, in
part to support his gambling habit, including repeated trips to
casinos.
Campbell, who has called the federal probe a witch hunt, stood with
his hands clasped in front of him as authorities listed the charges
against him at a news conference.
"They're lies from beginning to end," he told reporters afterward,
visibly angry. "The only thing that's correct in this indictment is
the spelling of my name."
Ten people who worked for Campbell have been convicted of corruption.
Some were members of Campbell's staff, including top aides; others had
business contracts with the city during his tenure.
The indictment was handed down by a grand jury Aug. 18, but was
immediately sealed. Campbell's mother died the next day, and
authorities said they delayed announcing the indictment out of respect
for the family.
The indictment describes a cozy relationship between Campbell, 51, and
several contractors who paid for gambling excursions, two air
conditioning units at his home and airfare to Paris, New Orleans and
Memphis, Tenn., among other places.
The unnamed contractor secured deals with the city worth more than $2
million, including $1 million for the city's Y2k conversion, the
indictment said. When a subcontractor offered to upgrade the city's
computers that year, Campbell allegedly asked, "What's in it for me?"
Several city contractors used their employees to funnel illegal
campaign contributions to Campbell, according to the indictment.
Campbell is also accused of soliciting and accepting at least $50,000
from the owner of several adult entrainment clubs in exchange for help
with liquor license applications. However, the indictment says,
Campbell reneged on the deal after taking the money and denied the
unnamed club owner's applications, prompting a complaint.
In another case, the government alleges that Campbell sought and
received roughly $86,000 in illegal campaign contributions from a
development contractor who was seeking a lucrative contract with the
city. Campbell told the contractor there was nothing he could do to
help him if he was not re-elected, the indictment says.
After Campbell was re-elected, the city awarded a $2 million contract
to the unnamed developer, the indictment said.
--
Associated Press Writers Eliott C. McLaughlin and Harry R. Weber
contributed to this report.
1. Not sure if he is Greek, if so will move to that forum.
2. Posted whole article with link in case it makes you subscribe to the news source.
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