Former Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Fumo leaves federal courthouse in Philadelphia today with girlfriend Carolyn Zinni after being found guilty on 137 counts.
In as stunning decision today, a federal jury in Philadelphia found former Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Fumo guilty on all 137 counts following a high-profile political corruption trial that lasted for weeks.
The 12-member jury, after five days of deliberation, also found co-defendant Ruth Arnao guilty of all 45 counts against her.
Prosecutors are expected to seek a prison term of more than 10 years for Fumo, a Philadelphia resident who had been one of the most powerful politicians in the state prior to his indictment.
Fumo was charged with conspiring to defraud the state Senate Senate by using employees for personal and political-campaign work on state time. He also was charged with defrauding the South Philadelphia nonprofit, Citizens’ Alliance for Better Neighborhoods, by getting it to pay for thousands of tools, consumer goods and other items.
The verdicts were announced after the judge ruled that a juror who posted oblique remarks regarding the case on Twitter.com and Facebook.com could remain on the jury.
See: Twittering juror jeopardizes Fumo trial Defense attorneys are likely to use the incident in their expected appeal.
See: Twittering juror jeopardizes Fumo trial Defense attorneys are likely to use the incident in their expected appeal.
Coverage:
Fumo guilty on all counts (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Fumo guilty on all counts (Philadelphia Inquirer)
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