FILE– This Jan. 7, 2009 file photograph shows Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi acknowledging applause from the chamber as he bangs the gavel after being re-elected at the Statehouse in Boston. Federal officials are recommending an early release from prison for DiMasi as he battles cancer. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons is filing a notice in court saying it’s requesting compassionate release for the once-powerful Democrat, who has served almost five years of an eight-year term for corruption. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
BOSTON (AP) — A federal judge says he needs more information before deciding whether former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi should be granted a compassionate release from prison.
The U.S Bureau of Prisons and federal prosecutors recommended last week that DiMasi, who has served nearly five years of an eight-year sentence for corruption, be released early as he battles cancer.
U.S. District Court Judge Mark Wolf, in an order issued on Monday, said several key details were missing from the recommendation, including the exact nature of DiMasi’s current medical condition.
The judge said the early release request could also raise questions of preferential treatment for the 71-year-old Boston Democrat because of his previous political stature.
Wolf ordered that the additional information be submitted by Oct. 27, and scheduled a hearing for Nov. 1.
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