2 Top Mass. Probation Aides Granted Immunity

BOSTON (AP) — Two one-time top aides to the former Massachusetts probation commissioner facing corruption charges for overseeing what authorities called a rigged hiring process have been granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for testifying against their ex-boss in federal and state corruption investigations.

Prosecutors in the state attorney general's office confirmed Tuesday that Edward Ryan and Francis Wall are cooperating with them. Ryan was the legislative liaison for former probation chief John O'Brien while Wall was O'Brien's deputy commissioner.

Confirmation came when their names surfaced in Suffolk Superior Court about the state's bribery case against O'Brien.

O'Brien has also pleaded not guilty to federal charges of racketeering, conspiracy and mail fraud.

Prosecutors say job applicants were hired not on the basis of qualifications, but based on political connections.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.