Vincent Fumo

PHILADELPHIA — A former Pennsylvania lawmaker who prosecutors said became "drunk with power" in his many years in the state Senate was sentenced Tuesday to less than five years in prison, a steep departure down from what the judge was asked to impose for the corruption conviction.

Former Sen. Vincent Fumo misappropriated millions from the state and two nonprofits. A jury found he used their coffers to clean his mansion, charter yachts, and spy on an ex-girlfriend and political foes.

"Maybe I should not have asked my staff to do the favors I did," an ashen-faced Fumo said before he was sentenced. "Judge, I never intended to steal. The last thing on my mind was taking money from anybody. I've never done that."

U.S. District Judge Ronald Buckwalter imposed a sharply reduced sentence from the 15 years prosecutors asked for and the more than 20 years recommended in a probation report. Buckwalter sentenced Fumo to four years and seven months, citing what the judge said was Fumo's extraordinary public service.

Even so, Buckwalter found that Fumo grew accustomed to the perks of office, flagrantly misused taxpayer money and then worked to destroy evidence. He scolded voters for returning him to Harrisburg each term.

The judge also ordered Fumo to pay about $2 million restitution, including $1.3 million to the Senate, plus pay $411,000 in fines.

Fumo is to report to prison on Aug. 31.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Levy said the government may appeal the sentence. He said it sends "a mixed message." The public sees Fumo going to prison, but for less time than others sentenced for public corruption in Philadelphia in recent years.