Sicilian deputy governor suspended amid graft probe (3)

(ANSA) - ROME, APR 17 - Sicilian Deputy Governor Luca Sammartino was suspended from exercising public roles for one year by a judge on Wednesday after being put under investigation for alleged corruption.
    Sammartino is also the regional agriculture chief and a leading member of the League party in Sicily.
    The measure was imposed in relation to an investigation in which other people are suspected of cutting deals in exchange for votes, bribery and incitement to bribery, with the use of mafia methods an alleged aggravating factor.
    Province of Catania Carabinieri police on Wednesday executed orders limiting the freedom of 11 people in relation to the case.
    These include Santi Rando, the mayor of the town of Tremestieri Etneo, who was arrested, while his opponent-turned-ally Mario Ronsisvalle was put under house arrest.
    Sammartino said he had written to Governor Renato Schifani resigning from his positions.
    "I thank the President for the trust he has shown in me and for the work done so far," he said.
    "I would like to emphasize that I am not involved in any mafia or vote-trading offences.
    "I am calm and certain that it will be shown that I have nothing to do with these events, dating back five years". (ANSA).