Fmr. Rep. Mike Veon found guilty of corruption charges

    Former House Democratic Whip Mike Veon is guilty on 14 counts of theft, conspiracy and conflict of interest for using public money to conduct campaign work.

    Former House Democratic Whip Mike Veon is guilty on 14 counts of theft, conspiracy and conflict of interest for using public money to conduct campaign work.

    [Audio: 100322SDVERDICT.mp3]

    Onetime staffer Steve Keefer was cleared on all charges, while two other former employees are guilty on several counts.

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    The jury found Veon guilty on charges related to bonuses for campaign work schemes in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

    He’s also guilty of conducting campaign work on state time, financing campaign communications efforts with tax dollars, and ordering legislative staffers to cart his motorcycles around the country while on the clock.

    Veon’s wife cried while the verdicts were read, but the ex-Beaver County lawmaker looked straight at the judge, showing no emotion.

    He spoke to reporters afterwards.

    Former Rep. Mike Veon: I’m thrilled for Steve Keefer. Clearly in my view neither Steve Keefer, nor Annamarie, nor Brett, should have been in this courtroom for the last six weeks. So I’m especially thrilled for Steve Keefer. He deserved it – all of it. But so did Brett and Annamarie. I’ll have more comments another time, another day.

    Veon’s lawyer, Dan Raynak, says they’ll appeal the verdicts.

    He says he’s still convinced Attorney General Tom Corbett’s investigation was politically motivated.

    Steve Keefer walked on all 16 counts he faced.

    Both Brett Cott and Annamarie Perretta Rosepink are guilty of doing campaign work on state time.

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