Feds Offer Range For Ex-Mass. Speaker's Sentence

Federal prosecutors are shedding more light on the potential prison sentence awaiting former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi following his recent conviction on corruption charges.

In a memorandum filed with the U.S. District Court on Tuesday, the government says DiMasi's sentencing guideline should range from roughly 12 1/2 to 15 1/2 years in prison.

The range for co-defendant Richard McDonough was set at about 10 to 12 1/2 years.

Prosecutors cited several factors in their calculations, including that DiMasi was an elected official and that more than one bribe or kickback was involved in the scheme to steer two state contracts to a software firm.

The sentencing guidelines are not actual recommendations on how long DiMasi and McDonough should serve in prison. Prosecutors and defense attorneys will make those recommendations closer to the scheduled Sept. 8 sentencing.