Did Fumo get what he deserved? It's a hung jury

The 12 jurors and three alternates who found Vince Fumo guilty on all 137 counts of fraud, obstruction of justice and related tax offenses split on whether the once-powerful former state senator got what he deserved.

Fumo's sentence of 55 months in federal prison, handed down Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Ronald L. Buckwalter, left some of them scratching their heads, while others said they were satisfied with the judge's decision.

Jury forewoman Karen White, of Bethlehem, declined to comment on the sentencing, but said that the jury stood by its decision.

Here are reactions from some others who decided to convict Fumo, who also was fined $411,000, was ordered to pay restitution of nearly $2 million and will serve three years' supervised release after he's let out - possibly in less than four years, with good behavior:

* Juror Greg Brecker, Souderton, Montgomery County: "At first I was a little surprised, but that was only because it was less than what I'd been hearing.

"I think it's fair. I trust Judge Ronald Buckwalter's judgment. I think he gave a just sentence without all of the political colorings playing a role."

_ Juror Myrna Devoren, Haverford, Delaware County: "I was checking the live blogs [Tuesday] and anticipating what the sentence would be. I was really surprised at the 55-month sentence. It was baffling because I thought it would be closer to the guidelines [10 to 13 years].

"I thought because of all the good work he [Fumo] did, the judge would only give him around 10 [years], so I was surprised when it was less than that."

_ Alternate Jane Fiorelli, Mount Bethel, Northampton County: "I felt it [the trial] was a waste of taxpayers' dollars to let it go on that long. I don't think it's fair. He [Fumo] thought he was entitled to everything. There was never an apology. I don't think he ever showed any remorse.

"I'm very disappointed in Judge Buckwalter. I never would have thought he would give a sentence that lean. I understand [Fumo is] sick, but there's a saying: 'You do the crime, you do the time.' " *