Retrial of R.I. corruption case begins

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Sept. 9 (UPI) -- A second political bribery trial began Tuesday for two former executives of a Rhode Island hospital.

Robert Urciuoli, who served as president and CEO at Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence, and Frances Driscoll, who was vice president, allegedly bribed a state senator by hiring him as a consultant, the Providence Journal reported. Urciuoli and Driscoll were convicted in 2006 but won an appeal because of incorrect instructions to the jury.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan told the jury in her opening statement that the $260,000 in consulting fees paid to John Celona, a North Providence Democrat, was a sophisticated way to bribe him. Celona is serving a 2 1/'2-year prison term for corruption.

A defense lawyer said that Celona did legitimate work to promote the hospital, including appearing on a cable television show.

"We believe there will be no evidence of a bribery deal whatsoever," Connolly said.