Former Connecticut Governor Sentenced to Federal Prison

John G. Rowland, the former governor of Connecticut was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud and tax evasion. The disgraced governor was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine, $72,000 to the State of Connecticut and $35,000 to the Internal Revenue Service.

Rowland admitted that between 1998-2001, he accepted inappropriate gratuities and took no corrective action on individuals who had made him these offers. He also wrongfully gave his consent as Governor of Connecticut for a significant contract to be awarded, without competitive bidding with these individuals (related entities included) who were illegally favoring him.

Rowland further admitted numerous additional improprieties including vacations, installation of a heating system in his family cottage, construction approvals, allocation of monies to projects, private chartered plane trips and tax exemptions.

Read the United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut press release: http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/ct/Press2005/20050318-4.html