Sentences cut for Adelphia founders

NEW YORK - A father and son who built Adelphia Communications into a cable television powerhouse before they were accused of ruining it have been resentenced to lesser prison terms.

Federal prosecutors announced today that Adelphia founder John Rigas had his 15-year sentence reduced to 12 years. His son, Timothy, had his 20-year sentence reduced to 17 years.

In reducing the sentences, Judge Leonard Sand in Manhattan wrote that "a minimal adjustment is appropriate" but also notes the seriousness of the crimes.

Adelphia, which was based in Coudersport, Western Pennsylvania, collapsed into bankruptcy in 2002. At the time, it was the country's fifth-largest cable TV company.