US appeals 4 1/2-year sentence of powerful ex-Pa. state Sen. Fumo, ex-aide in corruption case

Feds appeal sentence of powerful ex-Pa. Sen. Fumo

PHILADELPHIA — U.S. prosecutors are taking the rare step to appeal the sentence of former Pennsylvania state Sen. Vincent Fumo in his sprawling corruption case.

The 67-year-old Fumo is serving a 4½-year sentence for defrauding the state Senate, a museum and a nonprofit of millions.

Prosecutors had sought a 15-year term. In an appeal filed Thursday, they call Sr. U.S. District Judge Ronald Buckwalter’s decision “unreasonable” and “unduly lenient.”

They are also appealing the one-year term of ex-Fumo aide Ruth Arnao.

Fumo was convicted last year of using the victim groups to maintain his mansion, spy on political rivals, pay for yachting vacations and otherwise support his lavish lifestyle. He was a wealthy Democratic power broker during a 30-year state Senate career.

Fumo’s appellate lawyer did not immediately return a message.