Ex-Senator Guilty of Fraud

A federal jury last week found former Pennsylvania Sen. Vincent Fumo guilty on 137 counts of conspiracy, wire and mail fraud, tax violations, and obstruction of justice. He will face sentencing on July 13.

The former senator, who is 65, was found guilty of defrauding the state Senate, a nonprofit organization, and a museum. He was charged with improperly using funds, state employees, and contractors for his personal and political gain. Fumo served the first state senatorial district since 1978 until his resignation earlier this month.

Ruth Arnao, a former aide to Fumo, was also found guilty on 45 counts of wire and mail fraud and conspiracy to obstruct the Internal Revenue Service, among other charges.

Gov. Edward Rendell said he would consider removing commissioner Mitchell Rubin from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Authority’s board due to his connection to the former senator. One of Fumo’s crimes involves paying Rubin $150,000 for a no-show Senate job. Rubin is married to Arnao.

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