Watch CBS News

Former House Speaker Sal DiMasi Faces Sentencing

BOSTON (AP) - A sentencing hearing for former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi is under way in U.S. District Court.

DiMasi and co-defendant Richard McDonough will soon learn how long they will have to spend in a federal prison after his corruption conviction.

They were convicted in June of scheming to use DiMasi's clout as speaker to steer two lucrative state contracts to a software firm in exchange for kickbacks.

Prosecutors are recommending a 12 1/2-year prison term for DiMasi, and about 10 years for McDonough.

Before sentencing, Judge Mark Wolf is expected to listen to arguments from attorneys on several issues, including whether DiMasi and McDonough should be allowed to remain free while they pursue appeals.

Read: Letters Asking The Judge For Leniency (Part 1 ) (Part 2 ) (Part 3) (Part 4)

He said he would impose his sentence on Friday.

DiMasi had no comment when he entered the courthouse.

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

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.