Defense begins closing in Fumo trial

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Defense lawyers began their closing arguments Wednesday in the trial of a former powerful Pennsylvania state senator, Vincent Fumo, and his aide.

Edwin Jacobs, representing Ruth Arnao, told jurors in federal court in Philadelphia that she was entitled to her $87,000 salary after 20 years on Fumo's staff.

The focus of the trial has been on Fumo, who represented Philadelphia in the state Senate for 30 years. While Fumo spent days on the witness stand, Arnao did not testify.

Prosecutors say that her husband had a no-show job and that they spent vacations with Fumo on a yacht belonging to the Independence Seaport Museum.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Zauzmer described Fumo's testimony as "dances through the rain drops" as he gave varying explanations for benefits he received from the museum and from a community organization he founded. Prosecutors say that employees of Citizens Alliance for Better Government did work at Fumo's homes on the Jersey Shore and the group provided him with an SUV and driver.