PITTSTON — A former state senator from northeastern Pennsylvania has died after a long illness, leaving pending corruption charges against him unresolved.

Ex-Sen. Raphael Musto died Thursday morning at his home in Pittston, surrounded by his family, according to his niece. He was 85.

Musto had recently been released from a federal medical prison in North Carolina, where he was sent in January after being declared mentally unfit to stand trial.

Musto was charged with accepting cash and other perks for helping obtain taxpayer money for development projects. He had pleaded not guilty.

Niece Jacqueline Musto Carroll, the former district attorney for Luzerne County, says family members were grateful to celebrate Easter with Musto last weekend.

She says Musto is survived by his wife, four children and many grandchildren.