Bryon Hefner, the ex-husband of former Massachusetts Senate President Stan Rosenberg, pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of indecent assault, assault and battery, and dissemination of pornographic materials without consent. Nearly two years ago, revelations that Hefner had abused his access to confidential information and manipulated individuals for sexual favors rocked the State House and ended Rosenberg’s 30-year career.
Sue O’Connell, the co-publisher of "Bay Windows" and the "South End News," said on Boston Public Radio Wednesday that while Hefner fashioned himself a power broker on Beacon Hill, his power was solely derived from his relationship with Rosenberg.
“It wasn’t like his own power that he had earned,” O’Connell said. “It was power that he had glommed onto and then was trying to turn it into something sharp.”
O’Connell said she hopes that this experience will be an opportunity for Hefner to reform himself.
“I hope that he gets the help that he needs,” O’Connell said. “He’s clearly a very intelligent guy, and I hope that he’s able to turn this around.”
