Indicted former Massachusetts State Sen. Brian Joyce was found dead in his home Thursday.
The district attorney's office says foul play is not suspected.
Joyce’s wife found him at their home in Westport, a spokesman for the Bristol County District Attoney's Office said. The medical examiner has taken custody of the body and an autopsy will be conducted.
Joyce was arrested late last year and charged with over 100 counts involving political corruption, racketeering, money laundering, wire and mail fraud as well as misappropriation of federal funds.
Senate President Karen Spilka issued a statement on Twitter Thursday afternoon.
I’ve just learned of the sudden death of former Senator Brian Joyce. As authorities handle the appropriate investigations, my thoughts are with his family.
— Karen Spilka (@KarenSpilka) September 27, 2018
Joyce was a Democrat who served as assistant majority leader. He spent nine terms in the legislature, from 1998 to 2017 and left the Senate after not seeking re-election in 2016 amid the federal probe. He moved to Westport, Massachusetts, from Milton after his political career ended.
“We extend our condolences to Mr. Joyce’s family and friends as they grieve his passing,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling said in a statement. “We will not have any further comment during this difficult time.”
Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.
