Former Pennsylvania Turnpike official sentenced in Fumo case
The former Chairman of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission today pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice for misleading F.B.I. during the corruption investigation of former state Senator Vincent Fumo.
The former Chairman of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission today pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice for misleading F.B.I. during the corruption investigation of former state Senator Vincent Fumo. But Fumo confidante Mitchell Rubin did not admit to defrauding the state Senate.
Rubin teared up in court several times and, in a quiet voice, told the judge he was sorry for deceiving federal investigators about a Senate contract given to him by Fumo.
Prosecutors say Rubin’s company had a no-work contract with the Senate worth $150,000 dollars. Although Rubin did not admit to that charge, he agreed to repay the Senate. John Pease is Assistant U-S Attorney.
“So, from our perspective, we’re very pleased to get the money back to the Senate of Pennsylvania, because they’re public funds. So instead of the court ordering him to pay restitution or fines he agreed to make this payment.”
As part of a plea bargain agreement, the 58-year-old Mitchell Rubin will also serve six months house arrest, along with five years of probation.
Rubin’s wife, Ruth Arnao, was convicted along with Fumo in the widespread corruption case and is expected to be released in mid-May.
Fumo is serving a five-year term.
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