by KYW's Pat Loeb
Indicted Pennsylvania state senator Vincent Fumo seems headed for another setback in his defense against federal fraud charges. Sources say another close aide will plead guilty in the case and cooperate with prosecutors.
A former Fumo computer aide, Mark Eister, was indicted two years ago, accused of conspiracy and obstruction of justice for allegedly destroying e-mails and other electronic evidence against his boss.
Eister has scheduled a plea appearance for next Tuesday, and sources say that plea will be "guilty."
A guilty plea from Eister would give federal prosecutors more ammunition in their case against Fumo -- at one time one of the most powerful politicians in the city and state.
Eister would join his former colleague and co-defendant Leonard Luchko, who pleaded guilty last week (related story), and that would leave just Fumo and his top aide, Ruth Arnao, still facing trial in the case.
Another Fumo associate, Howard Cain, pleaded guilty to tax charges in June (related story).
Federal prosecutors have charged that Fumo defrauded the state by using his senate staff to serve his own needs and that he raided two nonprofits for his own benefit.
Fumo (in file photo above) is charged with numerous counts of fraud, tax evasion, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy. He has pleaded not guilty and has lined up dozens of public officials to testify in his defense.
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