On February 6, 2007, a Federal grand jury named him in a 139-count indictment, alleging mail fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy, obstruction of justice and filing a false tax return. Charges include his use of state workers to oversee construction of his mansion. They also charge the he used state workers to work on his farm and to spy on his ex-wife . Notwithstanding those charges, the indictment also accuses him of misusing $1 million of state funds and $1 million from his charity for his personal and campaign use as well as commandeering yachts from the Philadelphia Seaport Museum for personal travel.
Immediately before the indictment was handed down, Fumo resigned from his position as the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee. He vowed to fight the charges.
On March 12, 2008, at a press conference at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Fumo announced he was dropping his bid for reelection citing the charges against him leave "a cloud hanging over [his] head." However, at the insistence of Governor Ed Rendell, who was present at the press conference, "Vinny from Philly" will be completing his current term which does not end until after the November election. If you missed it, Governor Ed would have still endorsed this guy for re-election, "All he has to do is ask." Do birds of a feather truely flock together?
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