US Aerospace Group COO: "It's Good The Truth Is Out"

Richard Detore, chief operating officer of the now defunct US Aerospace Group in Manassas (VA), was cleared by a federal jury Friday on charges he funnelled bribes to disgraced Ohio Congressman James Traficant. Detore is the only one of four businessmen charged in the case who was allowed by the jury to go free.

"After three years, it's good the truth is out. It's a fair jury,'' he said.

US Aerospace Group made laser-guidance systems. Federal prosecutors accused Detore of hiding gifts, cash and even boat repairs he gave Traficant in exchange for the former congressman's help in getting the FAA to certify those systems.

Prior to today's court proceeding, J.J. Cafaro, part-owner of US Aerospace, Bernard "Pete" Busheit and David Sugar (both contractors to the company) were all convicted on charges of bribery. They've yet to be sentence. Detore faced up to five years in prison.

Traficant, a nine-term Ohio congressman who was first convicted of corruption and then ceremoneously barred from Congress, is serving eight years behind bars for bribery and racketeering.

FMI: www.usdoj.gov