Numerous once-secret documents support a narrative that’s been emerging since 38 Studios collapsed in 2012: that the deal was orchestrated by Fox and his friends, in particular attorney Michael Corso, who did work for 38 Studios, and former House Finance Chairman Steven Costantino, along with EDC officials, said John Marion, executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island.
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The result of the failure of 38 Studios was a loss of more than $100 million in public and private investment dollars and a loss of confidence in Rhode Island leadership.
“…38 Studios will have little wiggle room upon release – this is analogous to an all in had in poker”, the report stated. It says: “It would give us an opportunity to chat with Curt again about RI… there is really an interest to do something in the state”. Fox was majority leader at the time.
– In a March 23, 2010, email chain among major players in the deal, Schilling expresses concern that the media has learned of their meetings.
“If I can be helpful with this it would be great to help a company and my in-laws”, he wrote. While the documents included dozens of depositions of key figures, there are absences, most notably, Schilling.
The legislation was introduced in May 2010 and signed into law weeks later. He didn’t answer.
Curt Schilling, chief executive officer of 38 Studios LLC and a former Boston Red Sox pitcher, speaks during an interview in New York, U.S., on Monday, February 13, 2012.
“I didn’t think it was necessary to bring it to the board because I was asking for her personal opinion”, Carcieri said in a deposition. Raimondo said in her deposition: “He probably said, oh, that’s been shopped all over the place and everyone’s passed”.
– Former Democratic Gov. Lincoln Chafee, now a presidential candidate, referred to his successor, Raimondo, in his deposition as “Ms. Wall Street”.
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These seven distinct elements and events tied to the 38 Studios deal are disturbing and raise questions about the diligence and professionalism that elected officials, professional staff and appointed business leaders applied in reviewing and qualifying this deal. The expectation, Stokes testified, was that $75 million of the fund was destined for 38 Studios. He said, “My recollection is, is that Governor Chafee was inconsistent in providing guidance and assistance and direction for the company”.
