Paul Caranci, Public Corruption, Rhode Island 2010
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A former North Providence town councilman has been awarded for his role in exposing corruption within his own town council in 2010.
Paul Caranci, a former Rhode Island Deputy Secretary of State, received the prestigious 2014 Margaret Chase Smith American Democracy Award for his 'acts of political courage.' The award was presented by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) at a ceremony in Washington on Wednesday.
Caranci was instrumental in assisting the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office in their investigation into the corruption scheme, which involved a kickback scheme to secure votes for a zoning variance. He first alerted law enforcement to the scheme, which led to the successful prosecution of three town councilmen and an attorney who masterminded and participated in the bribery scheme.
The investigation resulted in the conviction of three town councilmen and an attorney who were involved in the bribery scheme. Caranci’s cooperation was critical to uncovering the depth of the conspiracy, according to the FBI.
“Being selected to receive the Margaret Chase Smith Award by the nation's Secretaries of State and all of the officials who comprise the organization is an extraordinary honor,” remarked Caranci. “More than that, it is an amazing opportunity for me to reunite with so many wonderful friends. I am grateful for their considerations and their many friendships.”
The fight against public corruption cannot be waged effectively unless residents who are aware of it come forward and report it, said United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha. Caranci’s actions are a prime example of this, as he had no obligation to expose the corruption but chose to do so, putting his own political career and personal safety at risk.
The National Association of Secretaries of State announced Caranci’s award in July 2014, praising him for his courage in working with law enforcement to expose public corruption and bribery schemes. Former recipients of the award include former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Civil Rights heroine Rosa Parks, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and former President Jimmy Carter.
Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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