What Is This Web Site About?
This web site tells a story of extortion, bribery, governmental corruption,
police misconduct and pure greed. Unfortunately for the people of Smithfield,
Rhode Island, this story is non-fiction. Taken from a file at Federal
District Court, the story here is told by Stephen G. Tocco, a Capitol Police
officer and President of the Smithfield Town Council. Tocco was testifying for
the prosecution, but not as a law enforcement officer. He was given immunity to
tell about the bribes he paid and the fraudulent bills he prepared.
In short, Mr. Tocco spent about two years negotiating the bribes he paid to
public officials and personally preparing inflated and fraudulent bills,
which he delivered to Providence. The bribes were paid to officials in both
Pawtucket and Providence. In return, Tocco'scompany received extra work, had their
contracts protected and was paid much more quickly than other city vendors.
Why Tell This Story Now, After All These Years?
Several weeks ago, Mr. Tocco wanted to fire Smithfield's Town Manager. Lacking
any legitimate cause to do so, Mr. Tocco announced that fifteen years ago,
the Town Manager had made an error in judgment. It was not criminal, but it was
a mistake. Years ago, he apologized and made amends. Still, Mr. Tocco insisted
that this infraction should cost Smithfield's Town Manager his job.
Tocco Must Feel he is Above the Law
Apparently, what's good for the goose is not so good for the gander. Although
Mr. Tocco is quite good at pointing out the mistakes of others, he holds himself
to a much lower standard. When this story was revealed, a reporter from the
Providence Journal asked Mr. Tocco if he would resign from the Smithfield
Town Council. "Why should I?" was the reply.
Mr. Tocco seems to feel that he is above the law. He has said that the Town Manager
should be fired for his infraction while he himself, who had paid bribes to city officials
and overbilled Providence $100,000, should stay on a town government.
Worse, when asked about this incident by a reporter from The Observer Mr. Tocco
said that he had worked with the FBI for two years. He implied that he was part of a
law enforcement sting operation. The truth is that Mr. Tocco testified to avoid
prosecution.
Read the Transcripts and Decide for Yourself
Read the transcripts for yourself. If after you do you still feel that Mr. Tocco
belongs on the Smithfield Town Council, then at least you'll know the facts.
