AG Kilmartin: 'Raymond Gallison was greedy. Pure and simple.'

PROVIDENCE, RI—Atty. Gen. Peter Kilmartin's office released his statement on the corruption investigation of former state Rep. Raymond Gallison. Kilmartin made the comments at this morning's press conference with U.S. Atty. Peter Neronha. This is an excerpt.

"This is not the first time that Peter and I have stood together to announce the charges or the plea of a public figure in Rhode Island. Over the past six years, we have done so several times.

"In just the past 10 days, I announced the indictment of former State Representative John Carnevale for perjury and filing a false document and the State Police announced the arrest of former State Representative Peter Palumbo for embezzlement and filing a false document.

"On Friday, when our nation inaugurated its 45th President, I thought back to the challenge laid down by President John F. Kennedy 56 years ago, when he said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country?”

"When those words were spoken, public service was a noble calling, and elected office was viewed as honorable public service.

"Unfortunately, that has changed. When I look at the charges brought against three former members of the House of Representatives, it is no wonder the public has such mistrust of the government and their elected officials.

"I would like to tell the public that despite these high profile prosecutions, there are many good people who serve in our government.

"In fact, the vast, vast majority of those working in public service are good people that have chosen to serve for all of the right reasons – to improve their communities and the lives of their constituents.

"Yet is seems that a cynical public will point to examples like those of the past two weeks. How many more times will we have to stand together to announce another case of public corruption before all public officials understand that misconduct is not tolerated?

"It is not tolerated by my Office. It is not tolerated by the United States Attorney’s Office. Nor is it tolerated by the FBI, the State Police, or any other state or federal law enforcement agency.

"And it certainly is not tolerated by the public.

"Let me be very clear – if you are a public official and you think your office is an opportunity for criminal behavior – think again.

"If you violate the public’s trust, and you think your position of power will shield your actions – you could not be more WRONG.

"You will be investigated, caught, and you will be properly prosecuted.

"Political corruption has a corrosive effect on our State. When an elected official is arrested and charged, the public’s trust in our system justifiably erodes.

"Each act of wrongdoing further undermines the trust and cynicism flourishes.

"Rhode Islanders have seen too much and are rightly tired of it. I believe I speak for all Rhode Islanders when I say, "enough is enough."

"As the Attorney General and as someone who has dedicated a career to public service, I am outraged to see people in positions of power violate the public trust out of arrogance, greed or a warped sense of entitlement.

"I have had to prosecute too many former colleagues, from mayors and police chiefs to legislators.

"And while I take no pleasure in doing so, I have not and will not ever back down from prosecuting anyone in a position of trust who violates that trust. As I have consistently said, as Attorney General, I will prosecute without fear, favor or ill will.

"Raymond Gallison was greedy. Pure and simple. He stole from his clients, people who considered him as a trusted attorney and a good friend. And, it caught up with him.