Powerful Pennsylvania lawmaker found guilty of corruption
HARRISBURG, Pa (Reuters) - State Representative H. William DeWeese, one of Pennsylvania's longest-serving and most influential lawmakers, was found guilty on Monday of theft and criminal conspiracy stemming from his use of state employees to campaign for him for free.
DeWeese, 61, faces the possibility of 38 years in prison when he is sentenced in April. His case stems from a larger scandal in 2006 called "Bonusgate" that has led to 20 convictions or guilty pleas of Republican and Democratic lawmakers and staff who paid and received taxpayer-funded bonuses for campaign work.
A jury in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania found DeWeese guilty of criminal conspiracy, conflict of interest and three counts of theft. It cleared him of one theft count after deliberating since Thursday.
The 18-term Democrat vowed to appeal and said he intends to run for reelection. He is allowed to continue in public service while his case is under appeal.
Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-crime-corruption-pennsylvaniatre8151ih-20120206,0,2125817.story
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