Casino officials arraigned in alleged bribery scheme

Michael Mello

Monday, Sept. 22, 2003 | 9:15 a.m.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Top officials connected to the Lincoln Park gambling center pleaded innocent Friday to federal charges they concocted a $4.5 million bribery scheme to win political support for expansion plans.

Daniel Bucci, the park's chief executive, and Nigel Potter, who was a top executive with Lincoln Park's London-based parent, Wembley plc, are named in the 22-count indictment. Prosecutors say the pair conspired to bribe the law firm of former House Speaker John Harwood to obtain more lottery terminals at the dog track and casino.

The government also claims the scheme was designed to prevent approval of a casino proposed by the Narragansett Indians.

Magistrate Judge Robert Lovegreen set bail at $50,000 secured bond for Bucci, who provided the court with a bank check. The government had recommended an unsecured bond, which wouldn't have required him to surrender cash or property.

Lincoln Park was also named in the indictment, but the corporate entity was not ordered to post a cash bail.

Potter, 56, posted $100,000 cash bail and was allowed to return to England. Prosecutors had sought to keep him in Rhode Island until the trial.

Assistant U.S. Attorney James Leavey argued Potter, who underwent surgery for cancer in 2001, might be inclined to fight extradition due to his health, his age, and the prospect of spending a minimum of 15 years in prison.

Bucci has temporarily stepped down and Potter has resigned from Wembley's board and from his position as chief executive, though he's still a company employee.

Wembley and park officials acknowledge they considered paying a bonus for past service to the park's longtime attorney, Daniel McKinnon, who is Harwood's Pawtucket law partner.