Operation Plunder Dome facts for kids

Operation Plunder Dome was a secret investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It looked into problems with how the city of Providence, Rhode Island was being run. The FBI wanted to find out if city officials were doing anything wrong.

What Was Operation Plunder Dome?

Operation Plunder Dome was a special project by the FBI. Their goal was to uncover any unfair or illegal actions by people working for the city government in Providence. This kind of investigation helps make sure that public officials are honest and work for the good of everyone.

How Did the Investigation Start?

The public first learned about Operation Plunder Dome on April 28, 1999. On that day, the FBI carried out a search warrant at Providence City Hall. A search warrant is an official paper that gives police or the FBI permission to search a building. This event showed that a big investigation was happening behind the scenes.

What Happened to City Officials?

After the search, the FBI continued their investigation. Many city officials were accused of breaking federal laws. They faced trials and some were found guilty. One of the most well-known cases involved the mayor at the time, Buddy Cianci. He was accused of crimes in 2002.

Frank Corrente, who was in charge of administration for Providence, was also found guilty. He was found guilty of demanding money unfairly and taking gifts for favors. He was sentenced to time in prison.

The Case of Jim Taricani

During the investigation, a reporter named Jim Taricani worked for a TV station called WJAR. He received a secret recording that was part of the investigation. When asked to say who gave him the tape, he refused. He believed it was important to protect his source. Because he would not tell, he was found guilty of refusing to follow a judge's order on November 18, 2004. He was later sentenced to six months of staying at home.