Judge Sets Sentencing Date For Wilkerson

BOSTON (AP) -- A federal judge has set a sentencing date of Dec. 22 for a former Massachusetts state senator caught on video stuffing bribe money into her sweater.

A defense lawyer for Boston Democrat Dianne Wilkerson sparred with prosecutors Monday over what sentence Wilkerson should receive. Wilkerson pleaded guilty to eight counts of attempted extortion for accepting $23,500 in bribes.

Prosecutors are recommending a maximum sentence of four years in prison. Her lawyers have not made a specific recommendation. They have asked for a sentence of less than the three years and two months suggested as a minimum in federal sentencing guidelines.

U.S. District Judge Douglas Woodlock said he will impose the sentence Dec. 22.

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