Fed prosecutors oppose ex-Pa. senator appeal

SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) — Federal prosecutors say they want a former Pennsylvania senator found mentally incompetent to stand trial on corruption charges to report to a prison hospital as scheduled.

Lawyers for retired state Sen. Raphael Musto are fighting a judge’s order for the 84-year-old defendant to be taken into custody Feb. 3. They say he shouldn’t have to go because they’re planning an appeal.

The U.S. attorney’s office said today that they’ll fight any delay.

Musto’s trial on charges that include bribery and fraud has been delayed over concerns about his health.

Prosecutors say Musto accepted cash and other perks in exchange for his help obtaining taxpayer money for development projects, and took additional cash as a reward for helping a municipality get state loans. He has pleaded not guilty.