Fumo friend and associate faces obstruction of justice charges

The former head of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has been charged with obstruction of justice related to the investigation of former State Senator Vincent Fumo.

The former head of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has been charged with obstruction of justice related to the investigation of former State Senator Vincent Fumo. [audio:100310SPINDICT.mp3]

Last year, Fumo was convicted of defrauding the state senate as well as a museum and charity.

Federal prosecutors say Fumo friend and associate Mitchell Rubin misled investigators back in 2006. Authorities had interviewed Rubin about a contract his company had with the Senate Appropriations Committee. John Pease is the assistant U-S Attorney.

Pease:
What we’ve alleged in this charging document is that Mr. Rubin withheld facts and material information that was responsive to those questions and as a result obstructed the grand jury’s investigation.

Fumo was later convicted of giving Rubin’s company B&R Professional Services a no-work contract worth $30,000 a year.

Governor Ed Rendell fired Rubin from the Turnpike Commission after learning of the investigation.

Rubin is expected to plead guilty. His attorney says he’s not going to comment.