Nation IN BRIEF : MASSACHUSETTS : Tsongas Aides Said to Have Known of Fraud

Top officials in former Democratic Sen. Paul E. Tsongas’ 1992 presidential campaign knew that its fund-raiser, Paul A. Rizzo Jr., was diverting money for personal use, the Federal Election Commission says. The FEC, which shared its preliminary audit findings with the Tsongas election committee in Boston, said several campaign officials knew Rizzo was involved in fraudulent activities, according to Gary C. Crossen, the committee’s attorney. Crossen is rebutting the FEC’s findings, and said he had submitted a 150-page report to the commission. Rizzo, 59, pleaded guilty to siphoning off campaign funds and improperly using the campaign name to borrow money. He was sentenced to 52 months in prison. Tsongas has denied knowing about Rizzo’s illegal activities. If campaign officials knew of Rizzo’s illegal activities, the committee could face heavy fines.