Pa. Sen. Fumo gets 55 months for fraud

PHILADELPHIA, July 14 (UPI) -- Former Pennsylvania state Sen. Vincent Fumo was sentenced to 55 months in federal prison Tuesday, less than half the amount called for by guidelines.

U.S. District Judge Ronald Buckwalter said Fumo's long career of public service, including 30 years representing South Philadelphia in the state Senate, moved him to impose a lighter sentence, WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, reported. Buckwalter also ordered Fumo to pay $2 million in restitution to the state Senate, the Citizen's Alliance and other groups he defrauded.

The judge ordered Fumo to surrender by Aug. 31 to begin serving his sentence.

A jury found Fumo, 66, guilty of 137 counts, agreeing with prosecutors that he used the Citizen's Alliance, a local group he had founded, and the Independence Seaport Museum as piggy banks for a lifestyle that included vacation houses and yachts.

Speaking on his own behalf Tuesday, Fumo said he loved being a state senator and never intended to steal from his constituents.

"I am deeply, deeply, deeply sorry," Fumo said, breaking down in tears.

Some of his supporters in the packed courtroom also cried as they listened to him.

Fumo was one of the most powerful Democrats in Philadelphia and the state Legislature.