Former State Senator Too Sick for Court

Attorneys for former state Sen. Raphael Musto say in court documents that he's too ill to appear in federal court for his arraignment on amended corruption charges, and that they'll enter a not guilty plea on his behalf.

Federal prosecutors in Wilkes-Barre last month announced a superseding indictment of the Democrat from Pittston.

The 85-year-old Musto was originally charged with receiving $40,000 in cash and free building renovations in exchange for supporting state funding for development projects. The amended charges include other benefits he allegedly received, like meals and transportation.

Musto's trial is set to begin in Wilkes-Barre on Jan. 6.

Defense attorneys are seeking a delay because they say Musto, who retired in 2010, is not healthy enough to assist in his defense.

The arraignment is scheduled Wednesday before a federal judge in Wilkes-Barre.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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