RIGASES JAILED
FAMILY'S LEGAL FIGHT CONTINUING

While Coudersport area residents were coming to terms with the prospects that they'll never again see John Rigas, members of his family vowed to fight for vindication.

"Whatever happens, the rest of the family is prepared to continue the fight until the truth prevails, because we know an injustice was done," Michael Rigas said.

Similar comments were expressed by his brother, James Rigas.

Five years after Adelphia Communications spiraled into bankruptcy, the 82-year-old John Rigas and his second of three sons, Tim, reported to a federal penitentiary in Butner, N.C., on Monday morning.

The elder Rigas, who has a heart condition and has been battling bladder cancer, entered a prison hospital to begin serving a 15-year term. Timothy, 51, faces a 20-year sentence at an adjoining penitentiary. The Rigases still hope to be transferred to the federal prison in Allenwood, Pa. U.S. District Judge Leonard Sand last week rejected a petition to postpone their imprisonment for two weeks while the assignment was decided.

Prosecutors remained silent amid an 11th-hour media blitz by John Rigas.

During his final week of freedom, Rigas consented to interviews by PBS's Charlie Rose and reporters from USA Today and Gannett News Service, among others. On each occasion, Rigas said he and his son were victimized by a politically motivated prosecution, an unfair trial and betrayal by former associates.

The Rigases still hold out hope that one of two legal decisions could go their way: a new trial ordered by an appellate court or a reversal of their convictions by the U.S. Supreme Court.

John Rigas said he remains comfortable with his decision not to plead guilty and perhaps receive a lighter sentence.

"I believe there is a time when you can't compromise your values," Rigas said. "My legacy is to my grandchildren, and you have to stand up - as difficult as it is - for something. And that is not something to be compromised."

John Rigas and Tim Rigas were convicted in 2004 of conspiracy, securities fraud and bank fraud. In several recent interviews, John Rigas has pointed out that he and other executives at Adelphia relied on auditors at Deloitte & Touche and lawyers at Buchanan Ingersoll in their financial dealings.

Deloitte agreed to pay a $50 million settlement to avoid a civil trial on allegations brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The auditors also paid $210 million to settle with Adelphia investors.

"It's hard to be courageous when things have all gone wrong," John Rigas said as he prepared to enter prison. "It may take awhile for the truth to unravel and come out, but I know it will happen."

Tim Rigas said farewell this week to his wife, Kathy Fox, and their baby daughter, Kallie, in a private moment that Fox described as especially trying.

"Unfortunately, we now have to fight for the truth," she told one reporter. " . . . The Rigases, at a minimum, deserve a new trial."

Other family members, John Rigas's wife Doris and their daughter, Ellen, have remained out of the spotlight as the Rigases' duress has intensified in recent weeks.