News In Brief

Rita Lavelle sentenced to six months in prison

Fired EPA official Rita Lavelle was sentenced Monday to six months in prison and fined $10,000 for her conviction on four counts of perjury and obstructing a congressional investigation.

Miss Lavelle must serve five months before she is eligible for parole. US District Court Judge Norma Johnson also sentenced her to five years probation after the jail term, during which time she must perform ''community service'' for little or no pay. Her lawyers said they would appeal the conviction.