Former State Sen. Brian Joyce. (Facebook.com/Brian Joyce)
WESTPORT (AP) -- Former state Sen. Brian Joyce, who was awaiting trial on federal corruption charges, has been found dead in his home.
The Bristol District Attorney's office says Joyce was found dead by his wife in their Westport home on Thursday and foul play is not suspected.
A spokesman for the district attorney said in an email that the state's chief medical examiner will conduct an autopsy in the coming days, and the investigation is "active and ongoing."
Joyce was arrested last December and charged with accepting up to $1 million in bribes and kickbacks in exchange for helping companies and then laundering the money through his law office, disguising it as legal fees.
He pleaded not guilty and was free on bond.A Democrat, Joyce left the Senate after not seeking re-election in 1998.
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