Al Benedict (c. 1929 – August 31, 2003) was an American politician who served as Pennsylvania Auditor General from 1977 to 1985. He was convicted on federal racketeering and tax fraud charges in 1988 and sentenced to six years in prison.[1]
Al Benedict | |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Auditor General | |
| In office 1977–1985 | |
| Preceded by | Bob Casey Sr. |
| Succeeded by | Donald A. Bailey |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1929 McKeesport, Pennsylvania |
| Died | August 31, 2003 (aged 73–74) Plant City, Florida |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Occupation | Politician |
Life and career
editA Democrat from McKeesport and a former WSEE-TV anchor and Erie controller, Benedict was considered a top candidate for governor before his chief aide, John Kerr, pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges related to job-selling in 1984.[1][2]
Limited to two terms as auditor general, Benedict won the Democratic nomination for Pennsylvania Treasurer in 1984, defeating Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll. Benedict went on to lose the general election to Republican nominee R. Budd Dwyer, who was convicted on federal bribery charges two years later and committed suicide on television.[3]
In 1988, Benedict pleaded guilty to federal racketeering and tax fraud charges and served two years of a six-year prison sentence.[1][4] After his release, he worked as a salesman and apartment manager and moved Florida in 1994.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d Bucsko, Mike (2003-09-12). "Obituary: Al Benedict - State Auditor General Who Ran Afoul of the Law". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2022-10-07.
- ^ "Former Pennsylvania Official Guilty in Job Sales". The New York Times. 1984-07-01. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-10-07.
- ^ Bumsted, Brad (2003-09-22). "Columnist Fondly Remembers Crooked Politician". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Retrieved 2022-10-07.
- ^ Drachler, Stephen (1988-01-15). "Benedict Pleads Guilty to Racketeering, Tax Fraud - Former Auditor Admits Bribes". The Morning Call. Retrieved 2022-10-07.
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