As he tries to defend himself against federal corruption charges, former House Speaker Sal DiMasi can collect his nearly $5,000 a month pension.
A Boston judge made the ruling this week, reversing a state retirement board decision last year that halted DiMasi’s retirement benefit.
“It is what we expected … but the vindication we want is total clearance of the federal charges. That’s what we’ve been fighting for all along and we’re not going to lose sight of that goal,” said Thomas Kiley, DiMasi’s attorney.
DiMasi and three associates are accused in a scheme that set up state contracts for two software companies and allowed DiMasi to collect $57,000.
Kiley argued that a hearing on DiMasi’s pension was never held.
Treasurer Tim Cahill, who chairs the retirement board, said in a statement that he was disappointed by the court’s decision.
“As chairman of the state Board of Retirement, my first priority remains to protect the assets of the retirement system and to act in the best interest of taxpayers,” he said.
