Former state senator Dianne Wilkerson was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison after pleading guilty to corruption charges.

Wilkerson, who resigned on Nov. 19, 2008 after she was indicted in the FBI sting that led to her guilty plea, served 15 years at the State House -- ones that have often been filled with turmoil.

At left, Wilkerson spoke at a meeting about Boston violence Jan.18, 2006.