12/23/04 - 11:15am

Former Connecticut Governor John Rowland has accepted a plea deal in which he has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to steal honest service. The deal comes half a year after the Governor's resignation due to a corruption scandal that ended his political career. The charge to which Rowland plead guilty carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison.

Rowland's attorney, William Dow III said the governor acknowledged he was 'the recipient of certain gratuities.' Rowland was accused of accepting $107,000 in vacations, upgrades to one of his homes and free airfare given to him by state contractors and others doing business with the state of Connecticut.

The end of the Governor's trial comes two years after the scandal first broke and a year after the Governor issued a public apology and nearly begged the voters of Connecticut to forgive him and let him keep his job. Here are excerpts from the Governors December 17, 2003 speech:

'I ask the people of Connecticut for their forgiveness, I should have paid more attention to people around me and people that I trusted but I am sorry for my actions and take full responsibility.'

'And as I ask for your forgiveness, I also ask for your support to keep all things in perspective and keep all things in proportion. The good of nine years versus the bad.'

'I plan on being a friend, a good leader and a good governor over these next three years.'