Former Connecticut state Treasurer Paul Silvester, his brother Mark...

Former Connecticut state Treasurer Paul Silvester, his brother Mark Silvester and his brother-in-law Peter D. Hirschl pleaded guilty today to racketeering and money laundering in a continuing multimillion dollar corruption probe. According to U.S. Attorney Stephen C. Robinson, the former treasurer admitted that, as sole trustee of the $18 billion State of Connecticut Retirement & Trust Funds, he solicited bribes and rewards — cash, consulting contracts and employment — from investment firms in return for their selection as private equity managers for the pension fund. He faces a 40-year prison term and a $750,000 fine when he is sentenced on March 20.