WATERBURY (AP) — Waterbury’s convicted former mayor is seeking to have his prison sentence reduced.

Philip Giordano is serving a 37-year sentence after being convicted of sexually abusing 9- and 11-year-old girls. Giordano was cooperating with federal authorities in an organized crime investigation and wearing a wire in 2001 when FBI agents overheard the abuse as it was happening, the Waterbury Republican-American reported.

In a recent court filing, Giordano’s attorney wrote that while in prison Giordano has taught classes to inmates and also has continued to help federal authorities including the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation, which investigates organized crime.

In a letter to U.S. District Judge Stefan Underhill, an attorney for the New Jersey commission confirmed that Giordano has “provided valuable information in furtherance of our investigation,” according to the newspaper.

The 58-year-old Giordano currently is incarcerated at Yazoo City Medium Federal Correctional Institution in Mississippi.

Giordano would live with his wife, Dawn, in Commack, on New York's Long Island, if released, his attorney, Sebastian DeSantis, told the Republican-American. His three sons also wrote letters in support of his release.

Giordano tried unsuccessfully in 2015 to have his sentence set aside, arguing his trial attorney failed to convey a plea deal to him. Last year, he sought to have his sentence reduced due to concerns over COVID-19.

A hearing on the most recent motion hasn’t yet been scheduled.