Vincent “Buddy” Cianci, 2002 News

flamboyant politician, resigned as mayor of Providence, R.I., in September after being sentenced to 64 months in prison. He was convicted of racketeering by a federal jury in June. Prosecutors alleged that Cianci ran a criminal organization from his city hall office and code-named their investigation “Operation Plunder Dome.” Cianci is largely revered in Providence, credited with revitalizing the city's economy and image.