Ex-Mass. senator dies while awaiting trial

WESTPORT, Mass. (AP) — Former Massachusetts state Sen. Brian Joyce, who was awaiting trial on federal corruption charges, was found dead in his home Thursday, authorities said.

Joyce, 56, was found dead by his wife, according to a statement from Gregg Miliote, a spokesman for the Bristol District Attorney's office.

"Foul play is not suspected in the death at this time," said Miliote.

The state's chief medical examiner planned to conduct an autopsy, and the investigation remained "active and ongoing," the spokesman said.

A Democrat who served as assistant majority leader, Joyce was first elected in 1998 and left the Senate after not seeking re-election in 2016 amid the federal probe. He moved to Westport, Massachusetts, from Milton after his political career ended.

In December 2017, Joyce was named in a 113-count indictment charging him with racketeering, extortion, wire fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors said he accepted up to $1 million in bribes and kickbacks in exchange for helping companies and laundering money through his law office, disguised as legal fees.

Then-acting U.S. Attorney William Weinreb said at the time that Joyce violated his duty to his constituents "by accepting bribes and kickbacks in exchange for his official action."

Joyce pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and was free on $250,000 bond. A trial date had not been set.

Joyce's attorney, Howard Cooper, had maintained that his client was innocent of all the charges against him. In an email Thursday, Cooper wrote that he had no comment but that Joyce's family was asking that their privacy be respected during a difficult time.