State Worker Convicted In Travel Contract Case

Thompson Was Accused Of Steering Contract To Doyle Donor

Updated: 6:12 pm CDT June 12, 2006

A federal court jury convicted a state purchasing official on charges of steering a travel contract to a suburban Milwaukee company.

After getting the case on Monday afternoon, jurors returned the guilty verdicts against Georgia Thompson. She now faces up to 20 years in prison on two felony charges -- causing a misapplication of state funds and participating in a scheme to defraud the state of the right to her honest services

During the week-long trial, prosecutors accused the state Department of Administration purchasing supervisor of steering a contract to book state travel to Adelman Travel Group last year. The Glendale firm's CEO gave $10,000 to Gov. Jim Doyle before and after winning the contract, which was worth an estimated $750,000.

Prosecutors alleged that Thompson, 56, illegally steered because of pressure from her bosses, but they've never charged anyone else with applying that pressure on Thompson.

Prosecutors used e-mails and other records to paint a cozy relationship between Doyle's administration and Adelman.

Thompson contended that she was under no pressure from Doyle aides to give the contract to Adelman and was unaware of the campaign donations.

The state Republican Party said that the case was evidence that Doyle rewarded campaign contributors with state work. Doyle has denied those claims.

Attorneys on both sides finished closing arguments on Monday.

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