Poughkeepsie Journal
July 8, 2000
By Michael Valkys
Poughkeepsie Journal
WHITE PLAINS — William Paroli Sr. walked the 13 courthouse steps toward his fate Friday with considerably less swagger in the once-lively gait of one of Dutchess County’s most powerful politicos.
Age, health problems and facing a stretch in federal prison had obviously taken their toll on the 72-year-old former county Republican chairman.
Paroli arrived in a blue and white van with a handicapped parking sticker with family members including his wife, Betty, and son, former county Clerk Bill Paroli Jr.
Paroli held his jacket over his arm as he struggled to get out of the van with the aid of family members. Fighting prostate cancer and a shoulder injury from a recent fall from a tractor at his Cream Street home, Paroli seemed smaller than the once larger-than-life figure known for his bare-knuckle political battles and ability to charm.
Shoulder injured in fall
Family members helped Paroli on with his jacket, and he seemed to slump somewhat. He said hello to a photographer and shook a reporter’s hand with his left hand, his right unable to withstand the grip following the fall.
‘‘I went down an embankment,’’ Paroli said of his recent mishap.
He then went up the stairs and through the now familiar revolving doors of the federal courthouse, which has seen its share of Town of Poughkeepsie employees in the past two years.
Sentencing was set for 3 p.m. and the Parolis were early. Paroli Sr. sat on a bench outside the courtroom of Judge Barrington Parker Jr., where he would hear how much time he would spend in prison for taking part in a scheme to shake down contractors on town projects.
His daughter rubbed her hand on Paroli’s back as he sat. Bill Paroli Jr. paced the halls. William Conners, the county GOP treasurer and an enemy of Paroli Sr., walked by and entered the courtroom.
Finally, Paroli made his way into the courtroom and gingerly sat between his attorneys, Andrew Rubin and Gerald Vergilis, who helped Paroli into his chair.
Paroli leaned over and talked with the lawyers, his voice hoarse and weaker than in previous court appearances.
At 3:20 p.m. the sound of ‘‘all rise’’ was heard and Parker entered the courtroom.
Paroli struggled to get out of his chair and fell more than sat back down into his seat.
Lawyers argued over technical details of a pre-sentencing report, but eventually it came time for Paroli to speak before Parker handed down the sentence of 21 months in prison, plus a fine and restitution.
Paroli struggled to get the words out. The once tough-as-nails street cop and political brawler had been reduced to tears.
‘‘I apologize to my family for the embarrassment I caused them,’’ Paroli said in a breathy, intermittent voice.
Parker handed down the sentence, 21 months in federal prison, which must have seemed like an impossibly long time to a man who has seen his best years come and go.
It was over just before 4 p.m. and Paroli lingered in the courtroom to sign legal papers. Paroli and his family went toward the elevator and he kissed his wife on the lips before heading in.
Paroli exited the courthouse surrounded by family and was escorted to the waiting van, Bill Jr. at the wheel.
Paroli Sr. had nothing to say to gathered reporters as he took off his jacket and got in.
Father and son sat next to each other as the van pulled into traffic and headed back toward Poughkeepsie.
Your participation, suggestions and opinions on all matters will be welcomed, and only by your request, will your correspondence be published on this web site anonymously.
Please contact the Justice Team with any information regarding any matter, by CLICKING HERE or E-Mail address: Administrator@DutchessCountyJusticeTeam2003.us or telephone (845) 454-3036. (All information will be kept confidential and your protection is guaranteed)