Massachusetts, former treasurer reach deal on corruption charges (Tim Cahill)

The state of Massachusetts agreed on Friday to drop the criminal prosecution of its former treasurer on corruption charges related to his failed 2010 gubernatorial campaign, with the former official instead paying a $100,000 civil fine.

The state had accused Tim Cahill of misusing $1.5 million in funds intended to promote the state lottery to advance his campaign prospects. Its last attempt to prosecute him ended in a mistrial in December after jurors were unable to reach a verdict.

The deal keeps Cahill from serving any prison time, though he will serve probation, said Jim O'Brien, who heads the Massachusetts Attorney General's public integrity division.

Superior Court Judge Christine Roach called the deal "balanced, reasonable and very much reflective of the realities of the trial that we conducted in this courtroom."

full: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/01/usa-massachusetts-corruption-idUSL1N0BS8GI20130301