Richard Kelly (politician)

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Richard Kelly
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida's 5th district
In office 1975 - 1981
Preceded by	Bill Gunter
Succeeded by	Bill McCollum
Born	July 31, 1924 Atlanta, Georgia
Died	August 22, 2005 Stevensville, Montana
Political party	Republican

Richard Kelly (July 31, 1924–August 22, 2005) was an American politician who was the only Republican convicted of taking bribes in the 1980 Abscam scandal (he was also the only Republican approached for a bribe by the FBI). The conviction was later overturned on the basis that the FBI had used entrapment. However, an appeals court upheld the conviction and he served 13 months in federal prison.[1]

Kelly, a former district court judge, attempted to reform Florida's justice system by insisting that attorneys appear in court in appropriate dress.

Kelly died Monday, August 22, 2005 in Stevensville, Montana.

Preceded by Bill Gunter

United States Representative for the 5th Congressional District of Florida 1975–1981

Succeeded by Bill McCollum