Aug 13, 2006 7:36 pm US/Eastern
Local Senator Could Face Perjury Charges
BOSTON (CBS4) ―
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Boston Senator Dianne Wilkerson (File)
CBS
A Boston senator could face perjury charges in connection with testimony in her nephew's manslaughter conviction appeal.
The testimony of Sen. Dianne Wilkerson is "under review," according to Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley, after a judge said her version of events is "irreconcilable" with police versions in the case.
Wilkerson's nephew, Jermaine Berry, was convicted of stabbing a 21-year-old former Navy officer Hazel Mack outside a bar in Mattapan back in 1994.
Berry appealed for a new trial, and during a hearing last October, Wilkerson testified that she believed her nephew was innocent and that her other nephew, Isaac Wilkerson should be charged with the crime.
"I have no reason to lie," Wilkerson told the Boston Herald. "No matter what happens, one of my nephews is in trouble."
According to Wilkerson's testimony, she was in the interview room with Isaac when he was questioned about the fatal fight. Police deny that claim. Wilkerson said detectives turned off a tape recording when Isaac made statements that could clear Berry.
Berry's appeal was denied.
The District Attorney's Office has released a statement in regards to this matter:
"The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office has consistently taken the position in this case that the conviction of Jermaine Berry in the killing of Hazel Mack was and is a fair and just verdict, consistent with the evidence presented at trial. There is no information brought to light since that time that has altered our view of the verdict. Part of that evidence was the testimony of the Boston Police detectives, who testified in this case accurately, consistently and honestly. Their testimony is fully supported by other evidence in the case. The Trial Justice's findings and rulings upholding the conviction confirm these facts, including her finding that Senator Wilkerson's statements were irreconcilable with other evidence in this case.
"Our primary duty is to preserve that fair and just conviction. Consistent with our duty we are preparing for oral arguments before the state Appeals Court on September 8th and the court's subsequent decision regarding the conviction.
"The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office has also consistently taken the position during the post-conviction hearings that Dianne Wilkerson's statements were inaccurate and unsupported by the rest of the evidence in the case. This matter remains under review. Any further action or comment regarding the legal effect of Senator Wilkerson's statements would be premature, as any such comment or action might be considered an attempt to influence or affect the Appeals Court and its fair and unbiased review of the case."
-- John Towle, Chief of Staff to District Attorney Daniel Conley
In 1997, Wilkerson pleaded guilty to failing to file tax returns from 1991-1994. The senator was sentenced to house arrest, then sent to a halfway house after breaking a court ordered 9 p.m. curfew.
Wilkerson is also facing a campaign finance lawsuit after she failed to report almost $27,000 in donations and refused to explain more than $18,000 in personal reimbursements.
State Senator Sued For Unreported Expenses
(© 2006 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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