Fmr. Rep. Raymond Gallison Sentenced To 51 Months Prison Time

Former Rhode Island House Finance Chairman Ray Gallison has been sentenced to more than four years in prison. Gallison pleaded guilty to nine counts including mail and wire fraud, filing false tax returns and and identity theft.

Gallison, a Democrat from Bristol, was one of the most powerful members in the General Assembly before he resigned his post in May of last year. He took more than $660,000 to enrich himself, from a variety of sources, including the estate of a deceased man, and money meant for an education nonprofit.

Federal prosecutors argued for the recommended sentence for such crimes, 33-41 months because it would be a deterrent to other public officials and attorneys. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Ferland called Gallison’s actions a betrayal of public trust. Ferland called Gallison a scoundrel, despite a lack of criminal history and numerous letters in support of his character. He added that a lesser punishment would be a disservice to public servants not breaking the law.

Further Ferland argued that Gallison’s standing as an attorney and lawmaker added his ability to commit his crimes, thanks to his understanding of the legal system and public recognition. He said Gallison was “lulled into a sense of entitlement” and a misguided belief his actions would not be questioned. He said Gallison, who had the benefit of education and family, was motivated only by greed.

Read more: http://ripr.org/post/fmr-rep-raymond-gallison-sentenced-51-months-prison-time