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We begin with a Plunder Dome exclusive involving former Providence Mayor Vincent �Buddy� Cianci.  Eyewitness News has learned prosecutors are asking the judge in the case to correct what they describe as a serious error. Prosecutors say Judge Ernest Torres used the wrong standard when he denied Cianci bail pending the former mayor�s appeal of his conviction. The implication is that if the judge does not correct the so-called error, Cianci could actually end up getting bail until his appeal is decided many months or even years from now.
Former Providence Mayor Vincent Cianci left federal court last Friday with a 64 month prison sentence and instructions to report to jail in 90 days.  Judge Ernest Torres denied his request to stay out of prison until his appeals were decided. But now prosecutors say the judge made a mistake by using the �...incorrect legal standard...� in denying Cianci bail.  They are asking the judge to hold a hearing and change the standard used to deny bail �before any appeal...� to the First Circuit Court of Appeals.
The implication there is they could change the decisions made by this judge and set Buddy free on bail pending this entire appeal period. The irony here is prosecutors find themselves agreeing with Cianci�s lawyer Richard Egbert that the judge was on shaky legal grounds in denying Cianci bail. Prosecutors make it clear they feel the judge was absolutley right in denying bail.
And they want the no bail to be continued.  They want the same decision.  They just want it applied to a new standard.  Judge Torres has not yet made known whether he will schedule a hearing, or let stand the legal standard he used to deny Cianci bail.
In the meantime, Cianci has already filed notice he will appeal the descision to deny him bail.
He also has filed notice that he will appeal his conviction and the judge�s decision that the Friends of Cianci campaign fund must forfeit $250,000 to the government.
Jack White, Eyewitness News.