Feds seek delay in former DiMasi's pension hearing

BOSTON -- Former Speaker Salvatore DiMasi and his attorney met Monday with the state retirement board, despite concerns from prosecutors that the session could damage their pending federal corruption case against DiMasi.

The Boston Democrat and attorney Thomas Kiley met for an hour with board members on Wednesday before taking a short break. Neither would say if the discussion focused on resuming payment of DiMasi's $5,000 monthly pension or on prosecutors' request to delay the pension proceedings until after the federal case is resolved.

DiMasi and three associates are charged in an alleged bid-rigging scheme for a state software contract that prosecutors say netted DiMasi $57,000.

The board suspended his pension in June, suggesting the case may involve misappropriation of state funds. Kiley has argued that DiMasi is entitled to his pension because he is presumed innocent.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)