Ex-Pa. rep’s 2nd corruption trial set to open


February 16, 2012 at 8:36a.m.

Ex-Pa. rep’s 2nd corruption trial set to open

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Lawyers are expected to make opening statements in the second corruption trial of former state House Democratic whip Michael Veon.

A jury of six men and six women will decide Veon’s fate in the trial that starts today in Dauphin County Court.

The 55-year-old Veon is already serving at least six years in prison. He was convicted in 2010 on 14 counts related to spending more than $1 million in public funds on bonuses to reward legislative employees for political activities.

In the latest trial, Veon and co-defendant Annamarie Perretta-Rosepink are charged with theft, conspiracy and conflict of interest.

The pair faces corruption charges related to allegations they misused state funds for the Veon’s nonprofit Beaver Initiative for Growth. Perretta-Rosepink previously ran Veon’s Beaver County district office.