Fumo trial goes to jury in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, March 4 (UPI) -- The trial of former Pennsylvania state Sen. Vincent Fumo ended Wednesday with the completion of closing arguments and instructions to the jury.

Jurors are expected to begin deliberations Thursday morning, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Fumo, once of Philadelphia's most powerful Democratic politicians, is charged with taking thousands of dollars in perks from a museum and from a community group he founded. He also allegedly used his senatorial staff for campaign work and personal chores.

A former Fumo aide, Ruth Arnao, is also on trial.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Zauzmer delivered a rebuttal Wednesday in the final summation, hammering at claims made by the defense.

"This is like the bank robber who says, 'Yes, I robbed the bank, but I didn't shoot anybody,' " Zauzmer said commenting on a statement by defense lawyer Dennis Cogan that Fumo was not charged with bribery.

Cogan, who completed his summation, suggested that Fumo was more careless than criminal. He said that the favors and work Fumo got from the Citizens Alliance for Better Neighborhoods were small change compared to the millions he raised for the group.