PHILADELPHIA — Vincent Fumo, once one of the most powerful figures in Pennsylvania politics, was convicted Monday of more than 130 counts of corruption for schemes that defrauded the state Senate and others of more than $3.5 million and helped pay for his lavish lifestyle.
The 65-year-old former state senator was found guilty of all 137 counts against him, including obstruction of justice for destroying e-mail evidence.
The jury deliberated about the Philadelphia Democrat’s fate for about six days after a five-month trial.
Prosecutors are expected to seek a sentence of more than 10 years under federal guidelines, based on the size of the fraud, obstruction conviction and other factors.
After the verdict was read, Fumo hugged his distraught college-age daughter and his girlfriend before leaving the courtroom. “Just heartbroken,” Fumo said when asked about the verdict as he left the courthouse.
His lawyer, Dennis Cogan, said he was disappointed but would appeal.
U.S. District Judge Ronald L. Buckwalter set bail at $2 million, to be secured with Fumo’s properties, including mansions in Philadelphia and Florida, a central Pennsylvania farm, and a New Jersey beach house.
Fumo testified in his defense for six days, comparing some of his excesses to spitting on the sidewalk.
