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to promote civic engagement in the Philadelphia region.Open thread on Fumo sentence
Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 at 11:59 pm - by Alan Tu. Filed under: Courts.
Fumo wins light sentence
(Mp3 of Radio Times 7/15/09 @ 10am. featuring the two federal prosecutors in the Vince Fumo trial and one of the FBI agents that helped build the case. They are Assistant U.S District Attorneys ROBERT ZAUSMER and JOHN PEASE and FBI Special Agent VICKI HUMPHREYS.)
Former state Senator Vincent Fumo was sentenced to four years and seven months in prison today for fraud, obstruction of justice and other charges. The sentence was far below the 11 to 14 years the federal sentencing guidelines recommended. But in Judge Ronald Buckwalter’s announcement of the sentence, you could tell that he thought that Fumo was overly demonized by the prosecutors and the press. He also seemed to suggest that the one time influential Democratic lawmaker used his power for public good.
Here’s an excerpt from The Philadelphia Inquirer’s live blog from the courtroom. Keep in mind, it is reporter Emilie Lounsberry writing very fast what the judge said.
5:13Emilie Lounsberry : Regarding the nature of the offense and the history of the defendant, Buckwalter said: “It’s not murder, it’s not robbery, it’s not even violent…it’s not the selling of a political office. not a dime went to the defendant…used taxpayer money and CA money that reporters on the staff I don’t wish to demean the staff of the Inquirer…watchdog press….att of the FBI….Thereafter, many of their articles were characterized by appeals to the sensational side of it and some of the opinions expressed where in my opinion mean-spirited. The presence of the press in this case is unusual since even the govt acknowledges that because of the press it got started in the first place. In general, I thought coverage of trial was fair, in some cases it shed more heat than light….was fair. their work as a watchdog is something that is extremely important to our system in this country.
Fumo is out on bail tonight and has until August 31 to report for prison.
So, What do you think? Was justice served?
July 14th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Sometimes it is ok for mercy to prevail over wrath
July 14th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
I will be surprised if he spends more than one year in prison.In answer to your specific question,justice was not served.
July 14th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
You must be kidding. This man violated the public trust in a hienous way, extorted funds and now is getting a “kiss on the cheek”.
Only in Pay-to-Play PA…
July 14th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
What about the computer tech that is sitting in jail right now. He did nothing, and because he didn’t have connections he is in jail?
July 14th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
This sentence is a travesty and an example of money and reputation buying better treatment. Corey Kemp gets 10 years, Rick Mariano gets 6, and Fumo, who is a kingpin compared to those two, gets 5.
On top of the ridiculous sentence, we have a Judge who criticizes the Press and the FBI for “demonizing” Fumo. Excuse me? Fumo is now a convicted felon…there is no demonizing. This is just a disgrace.
July 14th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Hitler did a lot of good for Germany…., Mussolini did a lot of good for Italy….. Amin did a lot of good for Ruanda….!!!! BUT they were also CRIMINALS!!!! Maybe Fumo did some good for Philadelphia, but he is a convicted CRIMINAL - not even ONE of the 137 charges against him was dismissed!!! JUSTICE HAS NOT BEEN SERVED!!!!!!!! And to think that this is America……..! I am ashamed…………………
July 14th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
The lenient sentence for Fumo is a disgrace to hard working and law abiding citizens everywhere. I hope someone investigates why this judge gave Fumo 4 years 7 months instead of the recommended 21-27 years in the Federal sentencing guidelines.
July 15th, 2009 at 12:38 am
The city is losing residents and money because of circuses this guy put on. Meanwhile local politicians wonder what to do and cry they are losing money and have to cut programs and services to those of us who stay. Another sad sad day for this city. Stop taking from this city and give something back!! It’s not all about you!!
July 15th, 2009 at 6:45 am
The judge should be removed from the bench. This disgraceful sentence condemns the city of Philadelphia to another generation of crooked politics with no downside to it. Steal from the people all you want, because it pays!
July 15th, 2009 at 7:00 am
It’s time to leave Philadelphia. If you’re a hard-working, honest person living and working in the Philadelphia region, this is a sign to leave. You’ll never get a fair shake in a town where the entire power structure is set up to take advantage of you, steal from you, lie to you and get away with it when they’re caught. This town is more corrupt than Chicago of the 20’s. If you have talent but no connections to the criminals, leave now because crime rules here.
July 15th, 2009 at 7:48 am
An absolute disgrace. With time off for good behavior, will serve much less. Compare him to one of the local drug king pins (ACE). Controlled much of the city with an iron fist. Blatant blackmail of major corporations. Had the top attorneys in the city afraid to cross him. Sure he gave a few “free turkeys” to the poor, but seems like all he cared about was enriching himself on “OPM” and consolidating power.
Certainly this sentance does NOTHING to dissuade others from committing similar crimes.
This judge should be embarrassed. Who put pressure on him? Fumo? Rendell?
July 15th, 2009 at 9:19 am
One can only hope that during his ridiculously short sentence Fumo is subjected to the full horror of prison life as depicted in numerous documentaries on the subject. Maybe then he will understand that there are brutal consequences for violating the public trust and screwing the citizens and taxpayers.
July 15th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Not a dime went to the defendant? Really? Yachts, vacuum cleaners, mansions…wasn’t that what this whole thing was about? Lots of taxpayer dimes going to the defendant. I cannot believe the judge sees this as a victimless crime.
Today while waiting on the train platform, a group of riders who normally never speak to each other looked at the Inquirer headline about 55 months and were very vocal about disbelief/outrage.
Wow.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Mr. Anthony Jones, 38, stole 91 Lobster tails in Atlantic City and was Sentanced for 4 years in prison. Mr. Fumo was arrestred for 140 Felony charges and was sentaced for 4 years and 7 months. Multi-millionare Fumo “miss-used” 2.4 Million dollars, I would rather say STOLE, but who am I.