Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett last week indicted 12 state officials and employees, including a state representative and a former House minority leader.
The indictment charges theft, criminal conspiracy, and conflict of interest connected to alleged illegal use of millions of dollars in taxpayer revenue and state employees for political campaign purposes.
According to Corbett’s office, legislative employees were given bonuses from taxpayer revenue for campaign-related activities. In addition, the attorney general stressed the time and energy spent on political campaigns during legislative hours.
“The theft of taxpayer funds and resources was extensive and ranged from the obvious, such as directing employees to conduct campaigns while working on the taxpayer dollar; to the subtle, issuing taxpayer-paid contracts for campaign work disguised at legitimate legislative work,” Corbett said in a press conference last week.
Among those charged are Rep. Sean Ramaley, a Democrat representing Allegheny and Beaver counties, former House Democratic Minority Whip Mike Veon, Michael Manzo, former chief of staff to House leader H. William DeWeese, as well as current and former House Democratic Caucus members.
Corbett said to expect more announcements from his office, adding that the corruption probe is ongoing and includes both legislative chambers and political parties.
“Let me make this perfectly clear,” Corbett said. “This is not the conclusion, this is an ongoing investigation. Contrary to continuous rumor, speculation, and self-serving reported statements, all four caucuses — House Democrats, House Republicans, Senate Democrats, and Senate Republicans — are being investigated. The scope and magnitude of the investigation is really hard to adequately describe.”
In response to the indictment announcement, Gov. Edward Rendell issued a statement expressing his concern about the alleged crimes and the need for better management controls and reforms.
“I am saddened by the allegations presented today. I have known and worked with some of the individuals, and I understand that they and their families are going through a difficult time,” Rendell said. “But make no mistake about it, these allegations are serious and outline a course of conduct that is completely unacceptable. Such actions as alleged in these indictments destroy public confidence in the General Assembly and its proceedings.”
