Philadelphia State Rep John Perzel arraigned
Former House Speaker John Perzel and nine other defendants appeared at a Dauphin County district court in handcuffs this morning.
Former House Speaker John Perzel and nine other defendants appeared at a Dauphin County district court in handcuffs this morning.
Just like the Democratic defendants last year, Perzel and the Republican staffers were handcuffed and paraded past a throng of reporters before their arraignment hearings.
That angered attorney Josh Lock, who’s representing Brett Feese. Lock says the perp walks were orchestrated by.
Lock: What’s unfortunate is the adoption, in the state of Pennsylvania-at least today-of arrest procedures last seen during the French Revolution.
Perzel made a brief statement before being escorted inside.
Perzel: This thing’s been going on for quite some time. There’s hundreds of allegations that have been made. I’m looking for an opportunity to prove my innocence in court.
Perzel, Feese and aide Brian Preski all posted 100,000 dollar bonds and were released.Bail for the other defendants was set at lower levels. The Republicans are being charged with overseeing a multimillion dollar campaign effort funded with tax dollars, as well as obstructing the grand jury’s investigation.
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