Salvatore F. DiMasi, the former Massachusetts House speaker, is expected leave a federal prison in North Carolina on Tuesday to return home as part of a compassionate release granted because of ailing health.
Here’s a look at what happens next, as well as a refresher on the high-profile case:
What are the rules of DiMasi’s release?
Under an order from Judge Mark L. Wolf, DiMasi must serve two years of supervised release, the first six months of it confined to his Melrose home. DiMasi’s movements will be severely restricted: he may leave home only for emergencies and for medical appointments and religious reasons.
What do we know about his medical condition?
While in prison, the 71-year-old DiMasi was diagnosed with throat cancer and later prostate cancer. The cancers are in remission, authorities say, but the treatment for tongue cancer severely affected his throat and his ability to swallow. He has had choking episodes and has undergone numerous medical procedures to help him swallow and to prevent food from entering his lungs.
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Are there any restrictions on who can visit DiMasi at home?
Judge Wolf did not impose any restrictions on visitors. DiMasi is actually required by the judge’s order to have someone, whether it be a family member or caretaker, with him whenever he eats, in case he has any choking episodes.
Why is he in jail?
DiMasi was convicted in 2011 of helping a Burlington software company win $17.5 million in state contracts in exchange for kickbacks. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Roy Greene can be reached at roy.greene@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @roygreene.