Corruption trial: Veon OK'd bonuses, witness says

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A major prosecution witness in the legislative corruption trial in Harrisburg says former House Democratic whip Mike Veon gave the go-ahead to pay legislative employees bonuses if they campaigned for House Democrats.

Mike Manzo testified today that he ran a list of potential bonus recipients past Veon sometime in 2004.

At the time, Manzo was the chief of staff to Democratic Floor Leader Bill DeWeese, and Veon was the second-ranking caucus leader.

Manzo testified that Veon “said OK” to the plan that has spawned an investigation in which 25 people, including Manzo and Veon, were arrested.

Veon is on trial in Harrisburg with three of his former aides. Manzo pleaded guilty to related charges last month.