Prosecutors Will Ask For 4-Year Sentence For Wilkerson

BOSTON (AP) -- Prosecutors will ask a judge for a four-year prison sentence for a former Massachusetts state senator who was captured on video stuffing bribe money into her sweater and bra.

Dianne Wilkerson, a Boston Democrat, was accused in 2008 of taking $23,500 in bribes. She pleaded guilty in June to eight counts of attempted extortion.

In a sentencing memorandum filed in court Friday, prosecutors cited Wilkerson's prior federal conviction in 1997 for failing to pay $51,000 in federal income taxes and numerous campaign law violations, saying Wilkerson has "repeatedly demonstrated that she believed that she was above the law."

Wilkerson's lawyer did not immediately return a call seeking comment. The defense has the right to argue for a lighter sentence.

Wilkerson resigned about a month after she was arrested, and following her loss in a Democratic primary election.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)