Former Central Falls mayor sentenced to 2 years in prison

(WPRI) -- The former mayor of Central Falls learned his fate Tuesday morning after being convicted on a federal corruption charge.

Charles Moreau was sentenced to 24 months in prison, with 36 months of supervised probation and a $25,000 fine.

He pleaded guilty last November of accepting gifts from a friend, Michael Bouthillette, in exchange for granting him a lucrative business contract to board up vacant homes in the city.

Bouthillette also pleaded guilty to corruption charges.

Moreau resigned from his position back in September after news of his dealings came to light. A special election was then held to find his replacement, and the victor. James Diossa, will finish out Moreau's term as mayor.

After hearing of Moreau's sentencing, Diossa issued the following statement: "The sentencing of former mayor Moreau to 2 years in prison on a federal corruption charge brings to an end a sad chapter in our city's history.

We must rededicate ourselves to building an honest and ethical city government that delivers city services to everyone equally, regardless of political affiliation or connection to City Hall.

We simply cannot go back to the mismanagement and corruption that plagued our city for years.

This is why I urge the public to come to the Council Meeting tomorrow night at 6:00 p.m. at the Public Works Building at 1280 High St. for final consideration of my Ethics Reform Ordinance (link) which will end pay to play no-bid contracts, require lobbyist disclosure, deny pensions to city officials who violate the public trust and create a city ethics code for all city officials and employees.

Ethics reform will start a new chapter in our great city and be an important foundation for moving Central Falls forward."