Fumo won't appeal, lawyer says

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Former Pennsylvania state Sen. Vincent Fumo has decided to start serving his prison sentence without appealing his conviction, his lawyer says.

But Dennis Cogan told The Philadelphia Inquirer that could change if prosecutors appeal Fumo's sentence. Fumo, formerly one of the most powerful politicians in Philadelphia and Democrats in the state, was given a 55-month term, far below the federal guidelines for his crimes.

"We're prepared to have closure at this point," Cogan said Thursday.

The Bureau of Prisons has not said where Fumo will be assigned, Cogan said. He is scheduled to surrender Aug. 31.

Fumo was convicted in March of 137 counts. Prosecutors said he used state Senate employees for personal and political chores and a community group he founded and a museum to support a lavish lifestyle.

Cogan said he is concerned about the 66-year-old Fumo's medical problems. He said Fumo will not be able to get in prison the medications he is using now.

"It's going to be a dramatic change in his life," Cogan said. "That's something that concerns me a great deal."