Veteran defense lawyer convicted in conspiracy to bribe witness not to testify against client
A veteran Rhode Island defense lawyer has been convicted in a claimed conspiracy to bribe a witness not to testify in a criminal case.
After 13 hours of deliberation, a Providence jury found Gerard Donley guilty on Thursday of bribery, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He testified that money he paid to the girlfriend of a man allegedly stabbed by his client, Jamaal Dublin, was intended to compensate the victim, convicted felon Michael Drepaul, for his injuries, according to the Associated Press and the Providence Journal.
Dublin and attorney Donna Uhlmann, who reportedly represented Drepaul, also face criminal charges in the claimed conspiracy.
An earlier WPRI story provides additional details about the case.
Donley has been in practice for over 25 years.
See also:
Providence Journal: “Prosecutor testifies in trial of defense lawyer accused of bribery”
Providence Journal: “Lawyer testifies: Payments were to keep peace on Providence streets”
Providence Journal: “After hearing closing arguments, jury starts deliberating in R.I. lawyer’s bribery trial”
