Fumo sentence below federal guidelines
Wednesday, July 15th, 2009
By: Susan Phillips
sphillips@whyy.org
A federal judge sentenced former State Senator Vincent Fumo to four years, seven months in prison for his corruption conviction. The sentence from Federal District Judge Ronald Buckwalter was below the federal guidelines of 11 to 14 years. Fumo will also pay about 2 million dollars in restitution and about $400,000 dollars in fines.
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Fumo spoke for about 17 minutes, choking up, as he told the judge he was embarrassed.
Fumo: Judge I never intended to steal, the last thing on my mind was taking money from anyone, I've never done that.
The day long sentencing hearing revealed two very different portraits of the same man.
Prosecutors told the judge the 30 year veteran of the Senate, and Democratic powerbroker, was "drunk with power."
Supporters testified to his political effectiveness at bringing resources to Philadelphia and his 19-year-old daughter told how hard the case has been on him and his family.