Ex-Gov. DiPrete in Plea Bargain

Former Gov. Edward DiPrete pleaded guilty in a Providence, R.I., court to bribery, extortion and racketeering, admitting he accepted $250,000 in exchange for state contracts. DiPrete, 64, was sentenced to one year in a work-release program in a plea bargain with prosecutors. In exchange for dismissal of other charges, DiPrete and his son dropped a $1.2-million lawsuit against the state. The lawsuit alleged that state prosecutors improperly withheld evidence from them. The former governor pleaded guilty to 18 corruption charges, and five charges against him were dismissed. He must report to prison Dec. 29.