Convicted senator testifies in CVS case

PROVIDENCE, R.I., May 19 (UPI) -- A former Rhode Island state senator serving a federal prison sentence for corruption testified Monday that he received bribes from two CVS pharmacy executives.

Former state Sen. John Celona testified against John Kramer and Carlos Ortiz, two former CVS vice presidents accused of bribing Celona, the Providence (R.I.) Journal reported.

Kramer and Ortiz allegedly paid the senator $45,000 between 2000 and 2003 for a purported consulting job with the pharmacy company.

They are charged with 23 counts of mail fraud, bribery and conspiracy. Celona is serving a 2 ½ year prison term.