We've actually lost track of the many ways disgraced government witness Michael Manzo pulverized the prosecution's case during the first week of the "Bonusgate" trial.
For one, he testified that he told prosecutors about conversations with Mike Veon long before prosecutors claim he did. Prosecutors would have the court believe that in four appearances before the grand jury and who knows how many interviews with investigators over the last year and a half, Manzo never mentioned that he'd discussed bonuses with Veon until just after the deadline for turning evidence over to the defendants. So:
* either he did tell investigators before, and the prosecutors never turned the evidence over to the defense as they are required by law to do, or
* he didn't talk to investigators about the central allegation in a three-year investigation until weeks before the start of the trial, and the prosecutors may have abetted perjury by allowing him to testify otherwise.
For another, he testified that Brett Cott, who is being tried on multiple felony charges for his role in awarding bonuses for campaign work, had nothing to do with awarding bonuses for campaign work. According to Post-Gazette reporter Tracie Mauriello's "Tweets" from the courtroom:
* Manzo: Cott had no power to give bonuses to his future wife, future sis-in-law or anyone else
* "Manzo doesn't recall Cott [ever] directly saying how much money should be given to particular staffers as bonuses.
* Manzo: Brett Cott was not involved in the genesis of the #bonusgate scheme
We are not lawyers here at CasablancaPA, but this seems to contradict the prosecution's accusations. Perhaps we are witnessing a sophisticated legal strategy that is beyond our feeble comprehension.
Finally, according to the latest update on the Post-Gazette, Manzo testified yesterday that his sexual affair with former Miss Rain Day Angela Bertugli ended around the time of his marriage. Defense attorneys today confronted Manzo with "a string of e-mail messages" proving that the two continued their physical relationship well into 2008, long past Manzo's 2005 marriage. In true Clintonian fashion, Manzo claimed his previous testimony was not a lie, because even though their physical relationship continued, he and Bertugli stopped having sexual intercourse because "I had some inability to perform." ("Manzo" actually means "beef" in Italian, not "meat;" we have a juvenile sense of humor.)
Nice work, prosecutors. We can't wait to hear from convicted thief Jeff Foreman next!
87 comments:
I'm just mad about Saffron, Saffron Mad About Me.
My Lease Was based on Jello-O?
Senate Minority Leader Bob Mellow, D-Lackawanna, has announced he will not seek re-election.
They call me Mellow Yellow.
Manzo is a sleezebag. Anyone that has met him knows that.
Go Team Veon!!
I concur about Cott being innocent, and yet another example of Tommy Corbett charging people that had no intent to do crimes:
Manzo: Cott had no power to give bonuses to his future wife, future sis-in-law or anyone else
"Manzo doesn't recall Cott [ever] directly saying how much money should be given to particular staffers as bonuses.
Manzo: Brett Cott was not involved in the genesis of the #bonusgate scheme
Foreman: Manzo was the one in charge of the bonus program.
Foreman: Veon wanted to reward district office staff for longtime service and dedication.
Manzo: Also, there was no cost to taxpayers if state employees, who had no work to do, did campaign stuff.
Manzo, answering Raynak question, says there was no cost to taxpayer if those addresses were shared with House Dem Campaign Cmtee
Manzo was doing many things for his own personal power, SEXUAL TASTE, and income behind the back of Veon, Cott, Rosepink, Keefer, DeWeese and his wife.
Clearly, Masnzo strayed from or evade the truth!
AND THIS IS TOMMY CORBETT'S OAG STAR PREVARICATOR AND DISHONEST WITNESS?
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"""Finally, according to the latest update on the Post-Gazette, Manzo testified yesterday that his sexual affair with former Miss Rain Day Angela Bertugli ended around the time of his marriage.
Defense attorneys today confronted Manzo with "a string of e-mail messages" proving that the two continued their physical relationship well into 2008, long past Manzo's 2005 marriage.
In true Clintonian fashion, Manzo claimed his previous testimony was not a lie, because even though their physical relationship continued, he and Bertugli stopped having sexual intercourse because "I had some inability to perform." ("Manzo" actually means "beef" in Italian, not "meat;" we have a juvenile sense of humor.)"""
WELL, THIS MAY ACTUALLY GIVE MIKE MANZO AN ADVANTAGE IN PRISON.
I WONDER IF RACHEL WILL WAIT FOR HIM TO GET OUT?
WHAT ABOUT THE BOOB BONUS JOB GIRL WHEN MANZO GAVE HER A BONUS TO ENHANCE HER BREASTS FOR HIS PARTICULAR TASTE?
We wonder if AG Tommy Corbett will make her give them back to the Commonwealth?
We will see them on Ebay,:
"Used Boobs From Bonusgate Seizures, Cheap And Size C's, Like New, Collectors Items, Convicted Felon Mike Manzo Fingerprints All
Over Them" Bids start at #300, contact Pennsylvania Attorney General or will be given to a Staffer to enhance confidence, Tony Krastek wants them for himself.
Mike Manzo's Bio New Book Title:
"Political Pimp To Lying Limp!"
I think this may be Manzo new employer based on his expertise:
Lie detector software
Software analyzes voice statements Reduce shrinkage and employee theft
Global-Teck.com
Just remember, there will still be time to sign Mike Veon's petition for Governor when he is acquitted.
Speaking of abetting perjury, don't the prosecutors have the same e-mails the defense attorneys do? They knew Manzo was lying when he said the affair ended in 2005, and they let him do it. How is the judge allowing this?
Big guns aid Corbett gubernatorial campaign.
Corbett, a Republican from Shaler, the top fundraiser, according to campaign finance statements filed last week.
As of Dec. 31, more than four months before the May 18 primary, Corbett's hadS $3.2 million.
Corbett's reports provided glimpses into the people and groups who are bankrolling their campaigns:
Corbett's biggest contributor was Kim Pegula of Boca Raton, Fla., who gave $180,000.
She is married to Terry Pegula, president and chief executive officer of East Resources Inc., a Warrendale-based gas exploration company that holds the drilling rights to hundreds of thousands of acres in Pennsylvania over the gas-rich Marcellus Shale formation.
Robert Long, an East Resources executive, contributed $25,000.
Corbett received $100,000 from Vahan H. Gureghian, a lawyer whose management company operates the state's largest charter school, the Chester Community Charter School.
In June, the Delaware County school filed a court appeal of a state Office of Open Records ruling that granted The Philadelphia Inquirer access to financial records of the school's management company.
Corbett's campaign received several sizable contributions from coal company executives, including James Clifford Forrest III, president of Rosebud Mining Co. in Kittanning ($55,000);
C. Alan Walker, president and CEO of Bradford Energy Co. in Woodland ($40,000);
Gilberton Coal Co. owner John W. Rich Jr. and his father, who together contributed $25,000.
Corbett's contributions included $101,000 from Dr. John M. Templeton Jr., a Bryn Mawr philanthropist;
$100,000 from Erie insurance businessman Samuel P. Black III;
$97,500 from candy company owner and GOP national committeeman Robert Asher;
$46,500 from the Sheetz convenience store chain's political committee and Stan Sheetz, its president and CEO;
$25,000 from John Catsimatidis, a supermarket billionaire from New York
Manzo Meaning: one who raised calves and heifers.
In the New Era, after the Trial, Manzo may mean one who beds calves, heifers, and pigs.
On the Commonwealth timer, 2 hours to prepare to perform, 2 minutes to finish.
The women were paid Bonuses just for their time and suffering.
Anonymous said...
Speaking of abetting perjury, don't the prosecutors have the same e-mails the defense attorneys do? They knew Manzo was lying when he said the affair ended in 2005, and they let him do it. How is the judge allowing this?
February 9, 2010 11:17 PM
Well, like too many Judges, Judge Lewis a former Assistant District Attorney from 1972-80 and served as elected District Attorney from 1980 until his election to the bench.
President, Pennsylvania District Attorney's Association 1985-1986.
If he is Republican, then it is even tougher.
This evidence should have been stricken and the OAG Prosecutors up for Attorney Sanctions.
Up to the Veon Lawyers to Object and have it noted, and file Complaints at Disciplinary Committee and Judicial Conduct Board!
“The issue he has been called to testify on is not his marital affairs,” Senior Deputy Attorney General E. Marc Costanzo said at the end of the day. “The issue is, what criminal activity was he involved in?”
Advertisement Raynak said Manzo changed his story twice, giving jurors something to consider in weighing his credibility.
“The relevance is whether or not you’re willing to be candid with the person you’re closest to in the world, and second of all — and more importantly — whether you’re willing to be candid and honest with a jury about when it ended,” Raynak said after the court session.
Pennsylvania now has Public Campaign Financing: At least if your name is TOM CORBETT.
Pennsylvania now has Public Cosmetic Health Care if you are a friend of MIKE MANZO.
Pennsylvania certainly has come a long way since the two of them met.
Maybe Tom Corbett will be choosing MIKE MANZO as his running mate.
Hey Greene County do we really want to send another Bertugli to Harrisburg.
Mr. Manzo -- former chief of staff to then-Democratic leader Bill DeWeese -- was a mastermind behind that scheme. He has pleaded guilty and is testifying against his alleged co-conspirators.
One charge against Mr. Manzo stems from his assistance in getting a state job in Pittsburgh for his mistress, Angela Bertugli. According to testimony, Ms. Bertugli, a former pageant queen, spent her days completing college homework assignments and helping with political campaigns.
Mr. Manzo had testified Monday that he had a sexual affair with her and that their "intimacy" ended around the time of his marriage in May 2005.
Tuesday, though, he conceded that the sexual relationship lasted until 2008.
He explained the discrepancy by saying that he and Ms. Bertugli had stopped having sexual intercourse because "I had some inability to perform." However, the two remained in a close relationship until 2008.
"It was intimate and it was inappropriate," he testified.
Mr. Raynak presented evidence including a string of e-mail messages in which the pair said they loved each other and missed each other. In e-mail messages filled with smiley faces and exclamation points, they call each other "love," "hot stuff" and "babe."
In one message, Mr. Manzo indicates he will use a state-provided Jeep to drive to Waynesburg. The purpose of the trip was "first and foremost to see you," Mr. Manzo wrote to Ms. Bertugli.
In an interview Tuesday evening, Senior Deputy Attorney General E. Marc Costanzo said Mr. Manzo's testimony about his affair was damaging.
"Sure, it affected his credibility," he said, adding that "he's not that vital a witness."
Prosecutors plan to call at least 20 others to the stand and perhaps as many as 60.
WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?
Elect a Bertugli? I think not!!!!
They used to be associated with the "important", but now affliate with the "impotent"!!!!
I'm cracking myself up! :-)
If it doesn't quit snowing, I could be on a roll here!!!! LOL
Mr. Foreman said that even though he outranked Mr. Cott, he often took direction from him on campaign issues.
"Brett Cott was Mike's primary political person," he testified. "When it came to political matters, he was far more involved in putting things together than I was."
HHHMMMMNNNN.....Funny, the OAG Witness Mike Manzo, just testified that Brett Cott was not involved and now Foreman is saying Brett Cott was the Ring Leader?
Wow, conflicting Witnesses put on by the Booby Prosecutors, and you wonder why millions are paid to them to catch criminals?
is Miss Rain Day running again?
Anonymous said...
Hey Greene County do we really want to send another Bertugli to Harrisburg.
February 10, 2010 12:49 PM
Looks like Angie Bertugli was not an innocent victim at all, but a person willing to do anything to give head, I mean get ahead.
What kind of family raised this kind of woman?
Rachel Manzo may let Angie Bertugli keep Mike Manzo when this is all over.
Bertugli is not just a Home Wrecker but was a Career Wrecker, and the Commonwealth House Democratic Caucus still employs her.
Is She sleeping with anyone else in leadership at this time?
If so, watch out, she is a Medusa!
Ok, it's still snowing................
So if Manzo means "beef" in Italian, what's the last question Angela asked of Manzo?????
(I hate going for the obvious joke, but Angela asked MM):
"Where's the beef?"
Hee hee hee hee hee
Looks like Mike Manzo had a Harem in and out of Harrisburg, he is the Tiger Woods of Pennsylvania.
Gives a whole new meaning to House Democratic Caucus!
House Women Breakers!
Group Of Democratic Ho's!
And Manzo Without A Functioning Caucus!
All on State Time, approved and hidden by Tom Corbett Crack Staffers?
"Sure, it affected his credibility," he said, adding that "he's not that vital a witness."
That's hilarious! Does he really expect anyone to believe that? The prosecutors fully expected that Manzo, Foreman, Lavelle and a few others would be such dynamite witnesses that they wouldn't need to call anyone else.
Like so much else in this case, it hasn't worked out the way the AG's office expected. We could be in for a very long trial as the prosecutors work down the list searching for an effective and credible witness. Eventually the jury will be treated to "some guy who was passing by the Capitol one night and caught a glimpse through the window of something doing something that looked vaguely political."
Anonymous said...
is Miss Rain Day running again?
February 10, 2010 1:47 PM
No, but her Title Miss Rain Day Queen, is very apropriate, ever since she became a Manzo Personal Valet Vegas Service Girl, put on the State Payroll, without anyone knowledge but Manzo, it has been raining on the Democratic Caucus.
I think she may be a Republican!
Anonymous said...
"Sure, it affected his credibility," he said, adding that "he's not that vital a witness."
February 10, 2010 2:01 PM
I guess they is why they put Manzo on first? Corbett has a bunch of Boob Prosecutors I have ever seen?
There is no way Veon and others will be convicted in the end.
Tea Party Protesters showed up to protest Specter and Pelosi last week, we need a group of dedicated people to protest Corbett wherever he goes.
Manzo may soon be working for Corbett, he fits right into that Staff of Boobs and Goofs!
Angela asked Mike for a boner and that silly forgetful guy gave her a bonus instead! Goes to show men never listen!
It wasn't really raining on Rain Day............those were Angela's tears!
National Enquirer Headline:
Behind the Scenes of AG's Bungled Run for Gov: Boners, Boobs and Bonuses!
and in small print:
& Plenty of Boneheads!!!!!
Making the most of your day off, I see. Well, we know none of you are Keefer, because you at least know how to spell.
Shouldn't legislative aides have some sort of intelligence test? The man tweets like a retarded 6 year old.
Anonymous said...None of this will stand if there is a need of an Appeal, we are looking at Not Guilty Verdicts or at least a Hung Jury!
February 10, 2010 2:11 PM
Some how the OAG presenting an Impotent Witness with a Hung Jury, seems like an Oxymoron.
Anonymous said...Making the most of your day off, I see. Well, we know none of you are Keefer, because you at least know how to spell.
Shouldn't legislative aides have some sort of intelligence test? The man tweets like a retarded 6 year old.
February 10, 2010 4:01 PM
Based upon how bad the AG Prosecutors have performed to date, I think these posts and all the Misspelling is really the Prosecutors not the Defendants.
They have brought charges on lies and using liars and wasted millions so Tom Corbett could have a Campaign based on waste and gas.
The case is Garbage sponsored with campaign dollars from Waste Management, and full of Farters from the Prosecutors, Immunity Witnesses, and Guilty Pleaders and Judge sponsored on Marcellus Gas Wells campaign dollars.
It was never about Justice or going after those that broke the law, it was about Tommy Corbett's run for Governor all the time.
Everybody involved is cannon fodder for Tommy Corbett's Campaign and Tommy does not care who he steps on or ruins.
This injustice will not stand, and every Prosecutor and Investigator that keeps going along with this charade of injustice will be held accountable in the future, in the same way they misused their power for Tommy's Campaign Staff.
Some better stand up now before they are all held accountable.
Let me get this straight?????
First, the Republicans go after President Bill Clinton because he may have abetted perjury and use it for Impeachment over what is or is not sex. They then demand President Clinton be held accountable on a personal matter that is outside any law breaking, and want him to resign or prosecuted after impeachment.
Thank goodness, good men and women in the senate even some Republicans like Arlen Specter and the American Public refused to vote President Clinton Guilty on such political witch-hunt material used by the Special Prosecutor Kenneth Starr, and printed over and over in the American Press and Media for their own profits regardless of the full truth that came out later.
Now in Pennsylvania, Republican AG Corbett and his Prosecutors may have abetted perjury by going after Mike Veon and others without revealing how dubious their star witness Mike Manzo was on the stand when caught lying about Mike Manzo being a sexual predator to his subordinates, HDC employees, and young women looking for jobs. When Manzo described himself being giving oral sex as not being intimate while lying about it before, during, and after the investigations and Grand Jury. These same Republican Prosecutors are actually protecting Manzo’s lies, hid this information from the Defense, and are promoting Manzo Testimony as truthful when he was caught in lies even in the Presentments, and the Judge is doing nothing about it.
How things have changed, Washington Conservative Funded Republicans for political gain attacking an American President for his sexual affair and Pennsylvania Attorney General Republicans for political gain protecting their own witness from his sexual offenses just to prosecute Pennsylvania Democratic Leadership.
Oh now they want So Help Me God Oaths? Ain't that a bitch?
Hey Anonymous said...Hey Greene County do we really want to send another Bertugli to Harrisburg?
If she did go out and get her little swerve on, dont't you think she would be well within her rights? It's karma, baby.
I got to tell everyone Tommy Corbett and Mikey Manzo are like two peas in a pod.....They have every characteristic of a dog except loyalty.
What I cannot get over is that the Prosecutors knew Manzo was selling something out there, and it was not poultry.
Now the AG’s Prosecutors mean to tell us they do not think the cows do not appreciate the time off when a bull goes over to the other pasture?
I mean they had over 3 years for their OAG Investigators and Prosecutors, you know, that's supposed to be from Strawberry Square above all of us, flying all around asking questions, gathering evidence.
Those Tiny Little Fellers. Bald-headed, Little Feet with Little Hands, got no peckers of their own, but not see Manzo had a working one before the Investigations, but did not know he had non-working one after the Testimony???
How can that be when Manzo mirrors them in every way?
I mean this investigation has exposed lots of good wills and maybe a few small thrills. But, all of a sudden, there is nothing dirty going on?
You know what burns decent citizens and jurors asses? A flame about three feet high!
This is why the OAG is about to get a dose of their own medicine.
Why yes! I am making the most of my day off! Here's a spelling bee word for you:
B-O-G-U-S-G-A-T-E
Even basic citizens not involved in this mess can also spell and read between the lines:
P-O-L-I-T-I-C-A-L
P-R-O-S-E-C-U-T-I-O-N!
So can the jury!
I'm DISGUSTED to hear of the Prosecutors' tactics, lack of professionalism, and total lack of responsibility and class!
We know tax $ have been misappropriated! We don't expect our losses to be compounded by your above-mentioned actions!
YOU work for US!
I can see Tom Corbett future Private Dining Room Conversation with his political donors and then one with his OAG Staff:
Future Private Dining room Conversations With Political Donors Now Targeted Too:
First thing, is you're sitting in Dauphin County which from my figuring's about a 282 hundred miles east of that sinkhole you call Beaver County.
Therefore, I cannot see its any of the Media’s business what goes on out here in my office about anyrhing anymore.
Number two, you ain't the law 'round here and I am. So don't be telling me what my God-damn job is or I'll whoop your butt so bad it'll look like the stripes on a barber pole. I may be mean but I am Republican mean.
Number three, no sawed off little pecker's going to accuse me of doing a bad job and live free to tell about it, he is going to prison, got it. Because I wear the badge in this God-Damn Commonwealth.
So you listen good you over wallet padded bulls and bitches that work with those root weevils media turds, if I ever see you or any of those little bastards having me on the front page in my state again,
I'm going to subpoena you flat so your going to have to roll down your socks to crap.
So get out of here you Goddamn wig-wearing patted son-of-a-bitches and keep backing me for Governor.
Future OAG Staff Meeting:
Fellas, I have got myself a pretty good Bullship Campaign Director.
Now this thing has gotten way out of hand, I do not know how.
But, I figure there is only one thing left to do.
Close it down!
I am still going to Harrisburg to become Governor in spite of new revealations have come out where my own Office is under investigation.
The US Attorney and Special Prosecutor will be told my side of the story.
They sure as hell not going to hear it from anyone around Strawberry Square here.
Right now, I feel like the country dog in the city, if I stand, still they screw me, if I run they bite me in the ass.
It is always a business doing pleasure with Waste Management.
Anonymous said...Shouldn't legislative aides have some sort of intelligence test? The man tweets like a retarded 6 year old.
February 10, 2010 4:01 PM
You should have seen the Prosecutors on Cross-examination, humming, and hollering Objections, trying to protect a Former Prolific Sexual Predator Testimony turned Impotent State Witness exposed as lying under oath.
Now that was over $100,000 Paid Prosecutors work wasting state money like six years old.
All I want to know and someone to find out is,
What Did The Prosecutors Know About Mike Manzo's Crimes And Lies And When Did They Know It, And Why Did They Not Show It?
Three simple questions that will need to be answered sooner or later!
Mike Manzo on his Wedding Day:
"If I were not a groom, I would kiss you goodbye."
Mellisa's Response:
"If I were not a bride, there would be no goodbyes to be said."
Is anytihing so sad as unrequeited love?...
You can break a man's skull.
You can arrest him.
You can force others to lie about him.
You can throw him in a dungeon.
But how do you fight an idea?
Now listen all Prosecutors of Goodwill, all of you.
You are trying to select carefully all condemned men.
Corbett and his Campaign Minions wants this kept alive to serve this Governorship.
It is time to listen to that voice you felt for some time and act with true justice and decency take the sword out of your hand and expose the truth you know in your hearts.
If anyone ask you how to fight an idea.
Tell you know how, not with lies but with another idea based on truth not a campaign goal.
If not, you dare to ruin yourself forever, you will regret it. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life.
In his eagerness to save you, your God will also manage to save others from ruination they never deserved.
Stand up and do the right thing, that is within your own heart of justice, not for someone's career.
This is why you became a Attorney, an Officer of the Court, and create change for all, not be part of something rotten for personal gain.
Did Raynak really say that he needed to GOOGLE legal practices and proceedings?
Jesus, is Mike already setting up the incompetent representation argument for appeal?
Which came first the boner or the bonus?
I still don't know what love"s got
to do with it?
Who is Miss Bertugli related to that she became Miss Rain Day? She is not the weather girl, she just didn't fall out of the sky!!!
Is Miss Bertugli running against Mary Beth Buchanan?
Where is Cyril Wecht in all this? I thought he was running too. No wonder people don't come out to vote anymore. It is too confusing. This looks like a conspiracy to confuse the teabag party. T-Bag, Bonus Boobs,
No More Boners, sounds like it is Goofy. And I thought Toomey and Santorum was crazy.
I don't blame Tom Corbett for being confused. He doesn't know if they should be called BONUS BOOBS or ELECTORAL ENHANCERS. If they are Bonus Boobs, then he has to be talking on his state funded cell phone. If they are Electoral Enhancers then he must be talking on the campaign funded cell phone.
..And never the twain shall meet. NEVER!! Never have, never will!!
Yeh!!
Mellow Yellow can't sing like others can.
Anonymous said...Who is Miss Bertugli related to that she became Miss Rain Day? She is not the weather girl, she just didn't fall out of the sky!!!
February 10, 2010 11:41 PM
All I read is Ms. Bertugli fell head to her knees for Mike Manzo, strange judgment to say the least.
Apparently, from Manzo's Testimony she made Manzo Impotent, so one must question her abilities and ambitions?
Anonymous said...Which came first the boner or the bonus?
February 10, 2010 11:28 PM
I think it was the boner, then the bonuses, then the boobs job, in that order!
Anonymous said...Did Raynak really say that he needed to GOOGLE legal practices and proceedings?
Jesus, is Mike already setting up the incompetent representation argument for appeal?
February 10, 2010 7:55 PM
Heck, I would rather have a Lawyer that admits he must look the laws and procedures up, rather a Prosecutor that abets Perjury.
Besides Abraham Lincoln once said,
“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true.
I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have.
I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong.”
AND
"Let no young man choosing the law for a calling for a moment yield to the popular belief -- resolve to be honest at all events; and if in your own judgment you cannot be an honest lawyer, resolve to be honest without being a lawyer."
I object, your honor!
This trial is a travesty.
It's a travesty of a mockery of a sham of a mockery of a travesty of two mockeries of a sham.
The Prosecutors could still be living in a primitive state of neurotic irresponsibility?
It is clear, Magna Cum Laude Pussy done fried Manzo's brain.
Ain't that cute, they got his and hers Picassos.
On my first day of law school, my law proffessor said 'if your mother tells you she loves you, get a second opinion'
I haven't seen this much lawyers and politicians gathered in the same room since confession this morning.
I can sum up this Trial:
"Every time the OAG Prosecutors call it a campaign on state time, Defense Lawyers say it's citizens business.
Every time Defense Lawyers say it's a citizens business, OAG Prosecutors call it a campaign!"
I did not personally hear Jeff Forman's testimony. Yet, based on accounts of those in the court room, he made many references toward campaign activity to which he seemed intimately engaged.
However, again based on those with first hand knowledge, I have yet to see a direct tie to Veon.
The testimony of Forman seems to show that he was in control and totally directing the choir of subordinates.
I have yet to see a connection of all of this so called "evidence" to be even remotely linked to Veon, or any of the other defendants for that matter.
Anonymous said...I did not personally hear Jeff Forman's testimony. Yet, based on accounts of those in the court room, he made many references toward campaign activity to which he seemed intimately engaged.
However, again based on those with first hand knowledge, I have yet to see a direct tie to Veon.
The testimony of Forman seems to show that he was in control and totally directing the choir of subordinates.
I have yet to see a connection of all of this so called "evidence" to be even remotely linked to Veon, or any of the other defendants for that matter.
February 11, 2010 9:24 PM
I agree, Veon gave Bonuses for all the hard work over the years especially after hours, not for Campaigns.
Foreman and Manzo Testimony is not the same either, the OAG Witnesses actually testified to different aspects of Veon Office Duties, Bonuses, and especially on Brett Cott's participation.
It is clear Manzo was not telling Deweese or Veon or Eachus or Stetler what he was doing and Manzo admitted such under oath.
I suspect on Cross-Examination Foreman was doing things they did not know about either.
Staffers caught breaking the law were used to go after their Bosses that were not aware of what they were doing.
It is clear as day, from their own mouths, actions, and trying to blame others.
Where is there a single e-mail where Mike Veon says, 'We're providing bonuses for campaign work'?
Senior Deputy Attorney General E. Marc Costanzo later told reporters Foreman's testimony sheds light on "a pattern of arrogance" from the defendants.
"They're there because the taxpayers put them there," Costanzo said. "The arrogance is such that they think they can do whatever they want, and they're really free with how taxpayers' money is spent."
Sorry, but that is the OAG interpretation of what is and is not allowed.
Citizens expect and know that Political Elected Leaders have to mix Campaigning and Constituent Service as part of the job.
Every time a Legislator does a Service it is a campaign in effect, only the OAG thinks otherwise.
Now when Staffers are threaten and believe in the interpretation of the OAG, they thought they broke the law when they did not, but pleaded guilty anyway to avoid the expenses of Trials.
If the OAG Interpretation is, correct than they must arrest, charge, and indict the entire Political leadership of Pennsylvania, but then that means their republican Friends in the senate.
Sorry, but that is the OAG interpretation of what is and is not allowed.
Citizens expect and know that Political Elected Leaders have to mix Campaigning and Constituent Service as part of the job.
"Every time a Legislator does a Service it is a campaign in effect, only the OAG thinks otherwise.
Ask Jeff Habay what is and is not allowed.
Anonymous said “I agree, Veon gave Bonuses for all the hard work over the years especially after hours, not for Campaigns.”
Except there’s this little thing called evidence, and the evidence – both documented and testimony – show a direct correlation between the two…a rating system was set up, giving staffers bonuses that equaled the level of their rating…time and time and time again this is recounted, by numerous witnesses…of course, judging by some of the posts here, all of these witnesses – and the HUNDREDS of employees at the House who knew what was going on – must be lying…only Mike Veon and Brett “This Isn’t Kansas Anymore, er wait, Is It?” Cott are honest.
Anonymous said...Except there’s this little thing called evidence, and the evidence – both documented and testimony – show a direct correlation between the two…a rating system was set up, giving staffers bonuses that equaled the level of their rating…time and time and time again this is recounted, by numerous witnesses…of course, judging by some of the posts here, all of these witnesses – and the HUNDREDS of employees at the House who knew what was going on – must be lying…only Mike Veon and Brett “This Isn’t Kansas Anymore, er wait, Is It?” Cott are honest.
February 12, 2010 10:18 AM
You are right about evidence but so far, there is no evidence Veon did those ratings.
Now Manzo set up the system and admitted it, and could not even admit with certainty that DeWeese knew it, the same with Foreman? Thinking and Believing are not solid proof!
Now Foreman gathers the people as he worked on his Law Practice within the Capitol!
Therefore, the correlation does not exist so far, and we do know that Manzo and Foreman have been discredited on Cross-Examination.
The OAG did not record the Grand Juries, did not do video or wiretapping surveillance, and only has testimony from proven admitted liars that were feathering their nest and income without their Bosses knowing why or what they were hiding from them.
The OAG Investigation and Grand Jury are proving to be full of flaws and that my friend is a bigger waste of Taxpayers’ Money.
The OAG Prosecutors never even asked Foreman if he Veon knew Foreman was doing Private Legal Work on State Time?
I wonder why??? Are they afraid of the answers?
When the whole truth and nothing but the truth is the goal of all Trials!
Anonymous said...Ask Jeff Habay what is and is not allowed.
February 12, 2010 8:29 AM
The Habay Case is not the same and if you argue otherwise than why has the OAG avoided the investigations and arrests of Robert Jubelrier, Tom Corbett Political mentor, as well as other Republican Senators and Judges for that matter?
In the Habay Case, his own Aides reported him, and testified against him, without any Immunity or Guilty Pleas needed.
So much for fair justice, I will trust in the Jurors seeing through Corbett's Sham of a sloppy investigation as advised by Corbett's Campaign Staffers, not his Professional Prosecutors.
The big errors for the OAG has come from the words of Frank Fina, "We go were the evidence and Grand Juries takes us."
The big problem there is that Corbett's own Campaign Staffers took the OAG where they sent them, not where the evidence was in totality.
The OAG did not record the Grand Jury Hearings because it was a way to protect them from later scrutiny.
If the AG Corbett had listen to the Professional Prosecutors and not Corbett's Campaign Strategists, then the evidence would have taken them to Republican Senators and Judges this past November.
Still, the interpretation of the OAG on what is and is not campaigning is their biggest problem, and since it was never applied with fairness nor with professionalism, their cases are falling apart built on liars and greedy staffers that admitted to committing crimes and then blaming anyone the OAG wanted to target for Political Purposes and to cut deals over their own crimes hidden from the elected officials, not Justice.
Under cross-examination Friday, Jeff Foreman admitted that he knew the campaign work he participated in while working in the General Assembly for about 25 years was illegal, even though he swore to uphold the law when he became a lawyer.
Attorney Foreman income in 2006 for legislative work, bonuses and private law work was $378,986.68!
Now if I had a gig like that and the OAG came and told me I broke the law, but if I finger others, they will go lightly on me, well, line them up, I accuse anyone and everyone.
Once again, like Mike Manzo, Tom Foreman was a Staffer doing things on his own without telling his Bosses, and making far more money by hiding it from them, then when caught, blamed them as the OAG wanted for political purposes, not where the evidence is found but where it can be made up.
Once again, the biggest mistake of the Veon Defense Team is trying to blame DeWeese for Bonusgate.
It is clear even Manzo and Foreman both political prisoners subject to OAG oversight and guidance under oath cannot clearly say DeWeese knew.
On the other hand, the Veon Defense Team has done a marvelous job in showing not just Veon but DeWeese were ill served by Staffers doing what they wanted, giving themselves benefits such as using Staffers for sexual needs, and legal work, and adding to their incomes with the Bonuses.
Work was work in any Legislative Office and only the most loyal worked the hardest in Rosepink, Cott, and Keefer.
There was no fine black and white line. When things needed to be done, it was never for Bonus Money just dedication to their Legislators, Citizens in the District, and a sense of Public Service.
Even the voters know that comes with such jobs, and the Jurors will know it too.
The ones that did give themselves bonuses and rated others were the real culprits all the time.
Cott, Rosepink, and Keefer were working before the bonuses on an 18-hour day, because they loved to work. What happen to Veon happen to DeWeese, the selfish staffers taking care of themselves, and now state witnesses used by the OAG on OAG terms, and still caught lying repeatedly.
Whom do we believe:
Manzo: Cott had no power to give bonuses to his future wife, future sis-in-law or anyone else
"Manzo doesn't recall Cott [ever] directly saying how much money should be given to particular staffers as bonuses.
Manzo: Brett Cott was not involved in the genesis of the #bonusgate scheme.
OR
Foreman: Mr. Foreman said he had conversations with defendant Brett Cott, a former staffer, about the alleged bonus scheme in which taxpayer funded bonuses were paid for campaign work.
A grand jury found that Jeff Foreman, Mr. Veon's former chief of staff, sometimes put in for regular work, comp time and private legal billing that added up to more than 24 hours in a day.
Under cross-examination by the prosecution, Mr. Foreman admitted he did private law work at the Capitol.
"It was a bad thing, a wrong thing and I did it," he said.
OR
LOOKS LIKE THE OAG HAS CONFLICTING WITNESSES THAT THEY PRODUCED AND PREPARED FOR TRIAL, BUT THE OAG HAS CAUSED THEIR OWN WITNESSES TO CONTRADICT EACH OTHER?
This Trial is a joke!
=
Anonymous said...Cott, Rosepink, and Keefer were working before the bonuses on an 18-hour day, because they loved to work. What happen to Veon happen to DeWeese, the selfish staffers taking care of themselves, and now state witnesses used by the OAG on OAG terms, and still caught lying repeatedly.
February 12, 2010 3:47 PM
Did anyone ever think, the staffers that did break the law, and admitted guilt, were jealous of the staffers that worked harder and did not care about how much they were paid, just how much they could do, to get things done?
It is clear the Jury at this pace will grow tired and less and less interested.
The Judge is going to start to cut off Cross-Examination time as this Trial goes into 3 to 4 weeks.
Juries having to sit 7 to 9 hours will rush their verdicts.
It is important the Judge be fair and makes sure the OAG has limits on their own witnesses.
What I am amazed at is how the Defense has presented no evidence of how the Accused Staffers often did Constituent Work after learning about the needs of certain citizens from Door to Door, Phone Calls, and talking to them.
The Defense should ask Manzo, Foreman, and others if they ever did do Constituent Service after learning what Citizens needed during Campaigning.
For example, when calling Citizens for support often PENNDOT Registration, License Plates, and CHIPS Program would be requested after asked if they needed anything.
This is a prime example how a legislator actually works on Citizens needs from Campaigning and going out to meet the people.
Anna Mare Peretta-Rosepink often worked long hours making sure she followed up on Citizens request founded out as Mike Veon campaigned.
It shows how the lines of helping citizens after hours and Campaigning are often mixed, grey, blurred, and crosses over after the 8-hour day.
Why Defense Lawyers have not pointed this out and provided examples to the Jury is a mystery to me.
I recall at the Preliminary Hearing when Foreman admitted there was no line between Constituent service and Campaigning, during the Mike Veon Motions to dismiss B.I.G. Charges.
Now Foreman has a different Testimony under oath?
Being a Legislator Aide in all reality has no 8 hour days all of the time.
When they go to Church, people come up asking help to find jobs for their children.
Or going to a Community Entertainment or Recreational function, many Citizens demand to talk about what they want and need, even when the Legislators’ Staffers.
Corporate, Chamber of Commerce’s, and Union Events all have people, citizens, and constituents asking for help even when the Legislator and his staffers are on their own private time.
There are elected officials on the Jury, they know and can relate to how Public Service actually works.
So, it easy to mix free time campaigning with constituent time of Public Service, and vice versa, and sometimes ethical violations occur more than any intentional breaking of the laws.
The OAG knows this but prefers to pretend there are definitive lines regardless of the reality.
Anonymous said...
"So, it easy to mix free time campaigning with constituent time of Public Service, and vice versa, and sometimes ethical violations occur more than any intentional breaking of the laws."
This is such utter nonsense. The things they did have nothing to do with church and jobs for constituents. It has to do with hiring twice as many aids as necessary to do legislative work, so that there was plenty of time for them to sit in the back of the office and do nothing but campaign work. There is plenty of evidence that all of them were trying to hide their political activity during office hours. (especially after the Habay investigation began) You don't hide things if you're on the up and up. There is no gd grey area. What a load of crap. Read the ethics law, then read the Habay Case. And yes it is the same thing! Illegal activity is illegal activity. It doesn't matter who turns you in. If you're going to write something, at least make sure you know what you're talking about.
As far as this being a sweet deal for Foreman, open your eyes folks. The only salary he'll be earning in the near future is in the prison laundry and he has lost his license to practice law. He could be sitting on the group W bench with Veon and the rest of "grey area" people, but instead he chose to own up to his crimes. As far as I'm concerned, Veon, Cott, Keefer and Peretta-Rosepink are cowards. It doesn't take guts to sit in the courtroom day after day, while your hired FA blusters and bullies and regurgitates the garbage that you hope people are dumb enough to believe.
The OAG knows this and has crossed their own "ethical" lines... everything they do in this trial is to help their own boss become governor (or help him lose the race). They are campaigning for him everyday they are in court. they all know it and are all liars.
ry 13, 2010 2:58 AM
Anonymous said...The OAG knows this and has crossed their own "ethical" lines... everything they do in this trial is to help their own boss become governor (or help him lose the race). They are campaigning for him everyday they are in court. they all know it and are all liars.
February 13, 2010 7:48 PM
They are using known liars to attack Democrats as well, and hiding the complicity of their own Republicans current and former leaders.
Hopefully, Zappala's Grand Jury can inform the Public and expose the Republicans.
They way I see it, the OAG who tells lies, merely hides the truth.
But the OAG forgot that their Guilty Pleaders who tells half-lies has forgotten where they put told truth.
Attorney General Tom Corbett said Friday his first act as governor will be to submit a reform package to the General Assembly, which sends a message that "business as usual is over."
Though vague on the details, Corbett said he will call for "controlling spending" in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.
He said he would "eliminate WAMs (Walking Around Money)" or legislative discretionary grants, "eliminate the state car fleet and reform per diems in all branches of government."
"We must reduce the size of government," said Corbett, a Shaler Republican.
On Corbett's Government Reforms, I find it interesting that he left off the big fact that his Political Mentor, Bob Jubelrier actually ran the Pennsylvania Senate for the last 15 years.
There were big increases on Senate Pay, benefits, and spending going to resorts and adding staffers.
Also, Jubelrier's Hometown Altoona got a Big Baseball Stadium in return for voting for Sports Stadiums in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, on the Taxpayers Dime, as the Eagle, Steelers, Flyers, Penguins, Pirates, and Phillies all made bigger money.
The biggest beneficiaries of this unnecessary Stadium money were contributors to Republican Senators.
I wonder if that is what Corbett is talking about, how he is going to reduce the size of government, and I wonder if he will bring up that it starts with the Republican Senate?
It was Corbett's best Political Friend, Bob Jubelrier that oversaw the rise of spending and growing government under the Republican Majorities more than any Democratics Leadership?
Yet, when it came to investigate the Republican Senators over Bonusgate, Corbett's has on his Staff and Campaign Staff now, Bob Jubelrier's Staffers, that ahve yet to be called before any OAG Grand Juries?
Now are these people that are going to lead to new reforms?
If Tom Corbett was serious about Government Reforms, why did he not reduce his own 800 OAG Employees bloated Staff?
If he did not reduce his staff he cannot reduce others staffs.
There is a Separation of Power among the Three Branches.
Corbett has no Constitutional Power to tell the Legislature or Judicial Branches how to run, nor should he be allowed to even lie that he does.
I guess all those Republican Car Dealerships will not be contributing to Corbett's Campaign if he is going to elimanate the State fleet!
I got an idea, will someone do the research between what Car Dealerships have contributed to the Governor Candidates?
Prsent and Past!
I do not know what Veon and DeWeese did to hire such greedy Staffers in Manzo and Foreman.
Both of these guys let their Legislators and Bosses down, and were given over $100,000 per year, and they still did things behind their backs.
Manzo also increased his Wife’s' Salary by over $40,000 in one year.
Yet, everything they did, they did it for themselves, misusing the Trust and Responsibility they were given, and ruining the reputation of their own names and those that employed them.
What a sad commentary on people you rely on to be honest and accountable, instead they blame others still to this day.
Throw in the Brubakers at $99,000 and $126,000 too.
Based on today's Testimony and Cross Examination, looks like DeWeese was right to fire these Staffers after Chadwick Investigation.
What was really odd was when Brubaker Testified that DeWeese asked him, "Why Am I Getting All These Thank You On Bonuses."
Looks like Manzo set it up, passed them out, and these Staffers kept it to themselves, and all lied to the Newspapers, at first.
Still, Veon's Lawyers makes a greater point, looks like the OAG used the emails of the Staffers that were awarding themselves Bonuses and became State Witnesses, but ignored all the Emails showing Veon and Others were not part of Manzo's Scheme?
Anyway, these Witnesses have been very compromised on Cross-Examination, they look like they will lie anytime for anything, so whatever is in it for them.
Before it was bigger money for them and their wives so they lied, then it was to protect their jobs before being fired, so they lied again, then they lied to OAG, then went before the Grand Jury and lied about their Bosses, and now to reduce their Prison Time, they are lying on the stand, until corrected on Cross-Examination.
Soon they will most likely lie about the OAG Prosecutors and Investigators, if this is ever invetsigated, or if Corbett's own Staff and Campaign Staff come under investigation from thwe Zappala Grand Jury?
You fellows do not get it, it is not about convicting anyone, it is only about the election of Tom Corbett.
Corbett OAG can lose all his Trials and Corbett will still win the Governorship, because he has exposed how the Legislators conducted themselves.
It is over, Hail Corbett!
If Staffers were not happy earning what they agreed to to be paid, they should have resign and found other jobs.
The Democratic Party was let down by these pretenders for public service when they were greedy as public serpents.
POLITICS is a sucker’s game, where generosity and loyalty are worn out in a moment’s notice..
When written in Chinese, the word "crisis" is composed of two characters-one represents danger, and the other represents opportunity.
As Dante once said that the hottest places in hell are reserved for those who in a period of moral crisis maintain their neutrality.
Some unexpected help coming the way of those need it, with All Rights Reserved and sold to cover the heavy expenses.
Film Booking Offices of America (FBO) will be the major Producers of The Bonusgate movie.
Keith-Albee-Orpheum Theaters Corporation (KAO) and Pathe Exchange along with Radio-Keith-Orpheum (RKO), will distribute the new true story epic.
Kino International will share the rights to the movie and still photos, subtitles, and storyline, with Euversion, including television and home video.
Anonymous said...POLITICS is a sucker’s game, where generosity and loyalty are worn out in a moment’s notice..February 15, 2010 10:39 PM
Perhaps you are right, and any Politician that survives too long is usually removed sooner or later.
However, in this new coming Generation, the very best people we can find must be part of the Governmnet to take on the challenges of these brave new wars, brave new technologies, and brave new societal change, to prevent all of us from the purposeless process of societal suicide.
Not to say the Office of the Attorney General will continue to destroy the lives of many Staffers and Public Officials, mind you, but God will have the last word on having righted things before even then.
Poisoned hearts do not make a god of love, truth, and integrity. The Republicans and the AG of PA will destroy much of the Democratic Caucus and US Congress and Senate, but God has bigger plans.
Spirit existed first and produced the kindness and protection of innocent people and in the end the rest of the physical realm. God produces more of the right kind of spirit through Jesus Christ.
God has ultimate reigns on power and will sieve any man or woman that conducts themselves with too much zeal until the AG complete Satan's alternate plan.
Satan knows he will ultimately lose, but God is still bringing in his crop of faithful right up to the last one.
In the meantime, Satan through Prosecutors that are misusing the Law actually serves God's purpose of putting the metal through the furnace, and then remolding each person whose freedom is on the line, like a new fiery Samurai Sword that was used to outcast Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden.
It produces much dross as the Republicans proudly screech about their superior numbers in this falls elections.
They will not learn until too late that it is not about the numbers, but quality.
Jesus Christ produced and still produces the quality through his teachings, but more importantly through his own incredible sacrifice over 2000 years ago.
Fear, "Krish", more, he who destroys souls through his numerous minions.
God's furnace is very diverse as befits a true God who created the entire universe and man himself. The end product will be political beings that are far more than just physical.
The artificial and mutilated integrity of the law is a distortion of God's Messiah and his teachings.
Satan knows God would produce His ultimate truth through the seed of fairness and understanding that prowling for power will not succeed when stolen on the backs of good people they were just doing their jobs.
Reasonable doubt will rule the days ahead, then a reckoning for the all of the truth.
If idle hands are tools of the devil, what is an idle mind.
Anonymous said...If idle hands are tools of the devil, what is an idle mind...February 16, 2010 11:40 AM
I think it might be Tom Corbett and his Campaign Staff at the OAG.
They are lazy so they bring charges against Democrats and are using more State Resources to make him Governor, than anything produced by Bonusgate?
I mean they have Immunity Witnesses being paid on the State Dime at the HDC in jobs they said were Campaign Jobs, but not now?
The Nazi and Commies when they consolidated Power prosecuted their Political opponents by alleging Corruption.
Corbett's lazy mind is the reason!
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