PISASALE CHARGED WITH EXTORTION
MR IPSWICH GOES FROM COUNCIL TO WATCHHOUSE
EMBATTLED former Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale was last night charged with multiple offences, including extortion, as an anti-corruption investigation took a dramatic new twist.
The colourful politician was arrested yesterday afternoon in Ipswich and taken to the Brisbane police watch-house on Roma St.
Crime and Corruption Commission officers last night charged him with extortion and two other charges arising from the alleged assault of a woman.
It follows a CCC investigation that led to raids on Mr Pisasale’s home and office the day before the he resigned, citing ill health.
The assault charges reportedly relate to a woman in her 20s and conduct at Ipswich City Council’s offices.
The extortion charge reportedly relates to allegations Mr Pisasale threatened to expose a businessman’s dealings with a prostitute. A large media scrum gathered outside the watch-house last night, eager to hear from the man whose sudden fall from grace has sent shockwaves through the Ipswich community.
Last night, the CCC confirmed a “65-year-old Ipswich man” had been charged. “As the CCC’s investigation remains ongoing and these matters are now before the court, the CCC is unable to comment further.”
Ipswich City Council staff were surprised by news of the arrest. Council chief executive Jim Lindsay said in a statement last night the charges related solely to the alleged personal misconduct of Mr Pisasale.
“Many council staff have worked closely with Mr Pisasale over a number of years, and I can assure everyone that there are deep feelings of disappointment that their former mayor has been arrested,” he said.
Mr Pisasale resigned at an Ipswich hospital on June 6, wearing pyjamas and a dressing gown. He said it was due to the effects of multiple sclerosis.
It later emerged he had been stopped by Australian Federal Police with $50,000 in $100 notes at Melbourne Airport on May 13.
Barrister Sam Di Carlo said the money was his and that his friend Mr Pisasale was carrying it to Brisbane as a favour. There is no suggestion that Mr Di Carlo has done anything wrong.