HERSHEY -- Although arraigned last week on federal charges of mail fraud and conspiracy, University Trustee Edward Zemprelli said Friday he has no plans to resign from his position or change his lifestyle.

"My lifestyle is going to carry on as it has been because I know I'm innocent," Zemprelli said. "One of the great things about the democratic process is that there is the presumption of innocence."

During University Board of Trustee meetings Friday and Saturday, Zemprelli made occasional reference to his legal problems, but made it clear he attended to discuss University business and not his own.

"I was going to make some comments about the storm that's running through my life," Zemprelli said Friday before the University's Hershey Medical Center Committee meeting. "But I feel this is not the appropriate forum."

Zemprelli said he released a statement at his arraignment and intended to distribute it to the board. However, he decided against distributing it at the meeting, he added.

He made humorous references on other occasions and most trustees seemed supportive of Zemprelli. During the Affirmative Action Committee meeting, Chairwoman Cecile Springer referred to "areas to target." Zemprelli's response provoked laughter among the board.

"I thought I was the only target," he said.

Many board members approached him and seemed to reassure him through a handshake and a few words.

"I think I have unanimous support from the ones I've talked to," Zemprelli said.

J. Lloyd Huck, president of the board, and Trustee Walter Conti have both said Zemprelli's present legal problems have no bearing on his status on the board.

Lt. Gov. Mark Singel, the governor's non-voting representative to the board, said he stands behind Zemprelli.

"Ed Zemprelli has always been a close personal friend of mine and my thoughts and prayers are with him," Singel said. But the governor's office has no plans to issue a public statement of support, he said.