Acquiring Wisdom by Learning from My Mistakes

In Bill’s Own Words

In 2004, while at the height of my career as a professional advocate, campaign manager and lobbyist, I briefly entered into a business relationship with some Republican legislators that I did not know very well and who turned out to be very corrupt people.

In 2006, I was approached by officials with the Justice Department who asked me to help them prosecute these corrupt legislators.

I had never intended to do anything unethical, much less illegal, and I immediately agreed to cooperate with the Federal government. I did everything they asked and testified in court, helping to ensure a conviction of a corrupt legislator.

My government insisted that I plead guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery as the price of my cooperation, which I did.

I paid a heavy price for my mistake. I lost everything: my standing in the community, my marriage, my home and all my money. I have since rebuilt my life to the best of my abilities, have a better understanding of what is really important in life, and have re-dedicated my life to helping others.

I take full responsibility for my errors in judgment and regret my involvement in this case.  I have pledged to never repeat the mistakes I’ve made in the past. I am a better person today, one committed to an ethical life of advocating for others who are less fortunate than myself.

Recent Developments

On December 23, 2016, Federal Judge John Sedwick declares me “thoroughly rehabilitated,” and cleared to work for a union.

When I discovered that I could petition the judge who sentenced me to give me relief from the 13 year ban on working for unions in positions of responsibility, I hired lawyers, they filed my petition for relief on November 23, 2016, and on December 23, 2016 the judge ruled that I was free to work in any capacity for any union.  Here is the actual order.

Read the Judge’s Decision

The result of my mistake and my journey through the court system is that I take the responsibilities of being a union organizer and business agent extremely seriously.  I vow to continue to lead an exemplary life, and serve as a role model as someone who has learned from their mistakes, never to repeat them.

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