Massachusetts: Corruption

BOSTON- Former U.S Attorney General Ramsey Clark said Wednesday the prosecution of Chuck Turner is both politically and racially motivated and raised doubts about U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan's case against the Boston city councilor.

Clark, who was the attorney general under President Lyndon Johnson, said Sullivan has brought charges without sufficient evidence as the end of George W. Bush's presidency approaches.

"How is it that they've gone on for 18 months and at the end of the administration they come up with this?" he asked.

Boston City Councilor Sam Yoon introduced legislation on Wednesday that would require all of the city's commissions and boards all information relative to members and meetings on the internet.

Yoon, of Dorchester, said the legislation seeks to increase citizens' access to government.

"I am a strong advocate of open and accountable government that acts within clearly established boundaries," Yoon said in a statement. "A government that can act arbitrarily and in secret invites corruption, special pleading and trading favors."

Former state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson will appear in court Wednesday with Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner, according to U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan's office.

Wilkerson and Turner will both be arraigned at that time. 

Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner is due in court Wednesday at 3 P.M, according to U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan's office.

Turner, who now faces five federal felony charges, is scheduled to appear at the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse in Boston. It is unclear whether Turner will be formally arraigned at the appearance.