Governor may face 340 years in prison

By the Associated Press
Arizona Summer Wildcat
June 19, 1996

PHOENIX - Gov. Fife Symingtoncould face 340 years in prison if convicted of the 23 counts of wire fraud, filing false financial statements, attempted extortion and bankruptcy fraud he was indicted for Thursday.

The govenor is scheduled for arraignment July 10 before U.S. Magistrate Barry Silverman. Under federal rules, Symington's trial must begin by Sept. 11 unless he asks for an extension. Prosecutors expect the trial to last 10 weeks.

The case has been reassigned to U.S. District Judge Roger Strand. Judge Stephen McNamee, removed himself for unspecified reasons.

A case summary filed in U.S. District Court details the maximum sentences Symington could face. Prosecutors said sentencing guidelines differed among periods the charges cover, making it difficult for them to cite possible penalties.

According to the case summary, however, Symington could face 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine for each conviction, if any, under the six counts accusing him of making false statements to financial institutions in 1991 and 1992.

Other possibilities include:

(OPINIONS) (SPORTS) (NEXT_STORY) (SUMMER_WILDCAT) (NEXT_STORY) (POLICEBEAT) (COMICS)