Former Massachusetts probation commissioner John O'Brien was convicted of federal racketeering and mail fraud in a case that accused him of rigging the department's hiring process to favor politically-connected applicants over more qualified ones.
The verdict was returned on Thursday after seven days of deliberations in a case that focused attention on the patronage culture in state government.
Family members were crying in court as the verdict was read. A medic also had to be called for O'Brien's wife, who reportedly passed out and had to be taken to an ambulance.
The jury also convicted one of O'Brien's former deputies, Elizabeth Tavares, of racketeering and mail fraud. Another former official, William Burke, was convicted of a racketeering conspiracy charge and acquitted of other charges.
All jury members said they agreed with the verdict.
The probation employees were accused of rigging the Probation Department's employment practices by hiring candidates with connections to state lawmakers in exchange for favors while often overlooking other, more qualified candidates.
All of the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, which included mail fraud, racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering.
No lawmakers were charged. But the case put a spotlight on the practice of patronage in state government and on House Speaker Robert DeLeo, whom federal prosecutors insinuated was involved.
Defense attorneys said they plan to appeal. Sentencing has been set for Nov. 18 at 2 p.m.
DeLeo released a statement Thursday evening, saying in part, "The jury’s verdict confirmed what I have been saying all along: that I never participated in a conspiracy with any of the defendants and that I never traded probation jobs for votes."
House Minority Leader Bradley Jones (R-North Reading) issued a statement Thursday saying the ruling is "further testament to the utter failure and negative consequences one-party government represents to the taxpayers of the Commonwealth."
The verdict, he said, "should serve as a loud and clear message that the way the Democratic-led state government operates desperately needs to change."
Charlie Baker, Republican candidate for governor, also issued a statement, calling the verdict "a victory for taxpayers who deserve better than the one-party rule on Beacon Hill where politicians trade favors and turn a blind eye to abuses of power."
He said the trial made it clear that state government is in "desperate need of a new direction, with balance and real leadership where this type of disrespect for taxpayers' money is replaced by transparency and accountability."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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