Appeals Court Reviewing Rigas Case

A federal appeals court is reviewing the case of Adelphia Communications founder John Rigas and his son to see if they can face a second federal fraud trial, this time in Pennsylvania.

Lawyers for John and Timothy Rigas will argue that a second trial in Pennsylvania amounts to double jeopardy.

John Rigas is serving a 12-year prison term and Timothy Rigas a 17-year term after convictions in New York for defrauding Adelphia. Prosecutors say they used the Coudersport-based company like a piggy bank.

A 3rd Circuit panel had sided 2-1 with the Rigases' double-jeopardy claims and ordered a lower-court review. The full panel is rehearing the issue at prosecutors' request.

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