Ex-Speaker Fox soon to be free of federal supervision

PROVIDENCE — In a matter of days, former House Speaker Gordon D. Fox will be an entirely free man, no longer under federal probation supervision.

On Feb. 13, time will be up on Fox’s supervised release term following his release from federal prison on Valentine’s Day 2018, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.

In anticipation, federal prosecutors entered an agreement on a payment plan for the more than $93,000 in restitution Fox still owes following his conviction on bribery, wire fraud and tax evasion charges.

Fox, 58, of East Providence, will pay at least $700 a month under the agreement approved by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith.

Once arguably the most powerful politician in Rhode Island, Fox pleaded guilty in 2015 to bribery, wire fraud and tax evasion. He admitted taking $52,500 in bribes from the owners of the Shark Sushi Bar & Grill on Thayer Street in Providence in 2008 while serving on the city Board of Licenses. In addition, he acknowledged looting a campaign fund of $109,000 and covering his actions by filing false campaign-finance reports.

Now retired U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi sentenced Fox to three years in prison, and ordered Fox to repay $109,000 he stole from his campaign account. Records showed that he and his husband, Marcus LaFond, used the money to pay personal expenses, including their mortgage; payments on Fox’s 2009 Audi; purchases at Tiffany’s, TJ Maxx and Urban Outfitters; and veterinary bills.

The long-time East Side Democrat was first elected in 1992 and rose to House majority leader in 2002. In 2010, he became the nation’s first openly gay House speaker. He resigned in March 2014. kmulvane@ providencejournal.com

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