Judge Nixes Motion To Suspend DiMasi's Pension

BOSTON (AP) -- A Superior Court Judge has denied a request by the state Retirement Board to let it vote to suspend the pension of former House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi.

Assistant Attorney General David Marks had argued that the board should be allowed to place DiMasi's nearly $5,000-a-month pension in an escrow account given his conviction on federal corruption charges. Marks said the board is trying to protect taxpayers.

DiMasi's lawyer, Thomas Kiley, had argued at the same court hearing that the board can't suspend a pension until after a conviction is final and that can't happen before sentencing.

DiMasi's sentencing is Sept. 8.

Superior Court Judge Janet Sanders on Wednesday denied the motion to allow the pension money to be placed in escrow.

The Retirement Board is set to meet Thursday.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)