Former Mashpee Wampanoag Chairman Cedric Cromwell sentenced to 3 years in prison
Cedric Cromwell, the former Chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe convicted in May of bribery charges, was sentenced Tuesday at U.S. District Court in Boston to three years in prison.
He also must pay a fine of $25,000 and be under supervised release for one year following his three-year term, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers.
On Monday, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe submitted a victim impact statement to the court asking for Cromwell to serve the maximum sentence possible under the law.
"For over 400 years, the tribe has fought to preserve its culture, lands and protect its people from constant exploitation and oppression," the statement reads. "And yet, we are now facing the ultimate act of betrayal by one elected and entrusted to lead and act in the best interests of our tribal nation and future seven generations.”
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The statement goes on to explain how Cromwell prioritized “lining his pockets” through a criminal conspiracy while tribal members struggled with substance abuse, homelessness and unemployment.
Cromwell’s actions were labeled a “textbook example of public corruption” by U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins in a press release.
On May 5, Cromwell, along with David DeQuattro, the owner of an architecture and design firm based in Rhode Island, were convicted of bribery. The charges stemmed from the Wampanoag Tribe's plans to build a resort and casino in Taunton.
Cromwell contracted the casino project to Robinson Green Beretta Corp., which was represented by DeQuattro, court documents show.
Cromwell and DeQuattro engaged in a mutually beneficial relationship; Cromwell protected DeQuattro’s company’s contract while DeQuattro gave Cromwell gifts and monetary compensation.
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Cromwell was found guilty of extorting DeQuattro for $10,000, a Bowflex Revolution home gym, and a weekend stay in a high-end hotel, documents indicate.
Cromwell’s attorney Timothy Flaherty could not be reached for comment at this time.
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cedric Comwell former Mashpee Wampanoag Chairman sentenced for bribery
