Accused State. Sen. Vincent J. Fumo's lead attorney denounced the federal charges against his client yesterday, calling them "weak" and politically motivated.
Speaking at a news conference, attorney Richard Sprague said Tuesday's indictment of Fumo was "full of twists and distortions and salacious entries" that "deliberately took statements out of context."
He said the indictment, which followed a four-year FBI investigation - was driven by Republicans in Washington out to "destroy" Fumo, a Democrat and one of Pennsylvania's most powerful politicians.
"What I suggest to you is that this prosecutor, that press conference, that indictment, wreaks of malice," he said. "They have a weak case and they know it... This is an indictment born of political ambition."
Fumo, who was indicted on 139 felony corruption charges Tuesday, surrendered to the FBI yesterday but pleaded not-guilty on all counts.
He has been accused of using his Senate staff and a local charity for his personal benefit. The charges include mail fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of justice, and aiding and abetting the filing of a false tax return.
Sprague also denounced U.S. Attorney Patrick L. Meehan's remarks at a Tuesday news conference announcing the indictments. "I guess Mr. Meehan "likes to kick people" when they are down, he said.
Meehan called it "scary" that Fumo had evidently hired a private detective to spy on his ex-wife, ex-girlfriends and political rivals, including Gov. Ed Rendell.
"That kind of presentation was an outrage," Sprague said. He also criticized prosecutors for leaks about the case to media.
