KDKA'S Jon Delano: "In a February 2008 interview with me, [Bill DeWeese] stated categorically he had no knowledge of the large legislative bonuses, saying he delegated authority to staff and others."
DeWeese: No leader can be involved at that tactical level day in day out, if you have that many people. There are just too many people. And in the Marine Corps we were taught to choose good subordinates.
Delano: "Ultimately, DeWeese fired Manzo and other staffers for their role in Bonusgate.
"But in the same interview with me, I asked DeWeese specifically about Veon's role in the bonuses."
Delano: Did you delegate to him responsibility for allocation of bonuses?"
DeWeese: No.
Delano: It was to your senior staff people?
DeWeese: I'm ... gonna ask the attorney general to ... come forward and see exactly what they think is the case.
Delano: "Veon's lawyers had hoped DeWeese would help exonerate Veon. But by taking the Fifth, jurors at Veon's trial won't hear DeWeese's words under oath.
"Now, again, DeWeese cannot be compelled to testify if he believes his testimony will incriminate himself. Today, DeWeese's attorney said of the Veon trial, quote, this is not DeWeese's fight. But given the finger-pointing among these top Democrats, it's no surprise Veon wanted jurors to hear the Democratic Leader say Veon was not delegated responsibility for bonuses.
55 comments:
Nancy Thompson, who worked for the former state representative, said prosecutor James Reeder tried to get her to say she saw stacks of election petitions in Mr. Veon's Capitol office by asking her the same question again and again.
"I said, no I don't remember the stacks on the table, and he just screamed at me," Ms. Thompson told a jury. "He would get very upset with me and he would make me cry when I could not remember. . . . It got ridiculous."
She said Mr. Reeder told her during the interview that she must have been the only person in Mr. Veon's office doing legislative work because others had already indicated that they spent the majority of their time on political work.
Ms. Thompson is the second witness in the Bonusgate corruption case to accuse Mr. Reeder of such conduct.
Former state Rep. Dan Surra testified Monday that Mr. Reeder cursed at him and called him a liar during a separate investigative interview two years ago.
nior Deputy Attorney General E. Marc Costanzo said later there was "vulgarity on both sides" during the Surra interview and the meeting was "not a happy event."
Mr. Reeder was not in court today, but Mr. Costanzo responded on his behalf. He said Mr. Reeder acted properly during his interview of Ms. Thompson. He indicated that the repetitive questioning was aimed at getting to the truth in the interview.
Mr. Costanzo, are you lying now?
Lets see, two witnesses under oath against one AG Prosecutor Reeder never under oath.
So much for COSTanzo veracity?
I agree, Veon was not in on the Bonuses as the OAG charged, Manzo pretty much handle them, created them, and misused them, and misled his higher ups.
Same with DeWeese, Manzo admitted his failure, and that is not inconsistent between DeWeese or Veon!
Maybe dozens of staffers conspired among themselves to pay themselves big bonuses, then blame Veon, Cott and the others,knowing they would in tern blame DeWeese.
We know you guys don't like Bill because he complied with lawfully issued subpoenaes that provided the emails that got you in hot water.
Maybe Veon will be a defense witnews at DeWeese's trial, if and when it comes. Right.
What, there are stacks of petitions in Tom Corbett's office?
How do you figure that DeWeese complied with anything when witnesses after witness have either testified or admitted that DeWeese and his henchmen, Chadwick and Hazelwood were deleting stuff all over the caucus??? Your argrument is getting old... i'm sure you will also be indicted soon...
Any good lawyer needs to look at every fact, every witness and every circumstance to render proper and good legal advice for anyone he represents
It's easier for some the AG and his investigators to bring charges than it is to simply dismiss it because they might be accused of being influenced by political status.
Therefore, sometimes they proceed with cases that simply should have been closed without merit in order to avoid the claim that the case was dismissed because the person was a politician and had a fancy attorney.
Veon and DeWeese were targets of Corbett's Campaign Staff more than the Professional Prosecutors, in my humble opinion.
The word is Bill DeWeese wanted to testify, but his Lawyer would not permit it.
One must recall, Bill DeWeese was only a few Lawmakers that went before the Grand Jury, and was not afraid to testify under those very tough conditions.
The AG prosecutors used filthy language there too, so it was a pattern and practice of prosecutors.
One reason why the Prosecutors refused to record the Grand Jury hearings, so that they could intimidate, more than searching for the truth.
Yet, Corbett on the advice of his Campaign Staff overruled the Prosecutors.
"One must recall, Bill DeWeese was only a few Lawmakers that went before the Grand Jury, and was not afraid to testify under those very tough conditions."
This is 100% false. You are either a liar or seriously, dangerously deluded. Either way, you need to examine your toxic relationship with Bill DeWeese. Even if you are Bill DeWeese! Ha!
Anonymous said...
"One must recall, Bill DeWeese was only a few Lawmakers that went before the Grand Jury, and was not afraid to testify under those very tough conditions."
This is 100% false. You are either a liar or seriously, dangerously deluded. Either way, you need to examine your toxic relationship with Bill DeWeese. Even if you are Bill DeWeese! Ha! March 10, 2010 9:06 AM
BILL DEWEESE DID TESTIFY BEFORE THE GRAND JURY, THIS IS 100% CORRECT AND REPORTED IN THE MEDIA AS CONFIRMATION.
WHAT IS 100% A LIE IS THAT BILL DEWEESE WAS A SECRET IMMUNITY WITNESS, CLAIMED AT CASABLANCAPA.
I HAVE NO TOXIC RELATIONSHIP WITH DEWEESE OR ANYONE ELSE.
I DO ADMIT, I HAVE A TOXIC RELATIONSHIP WITH INNOCENT LAWMAKERS BEING PUT ON TRIALS AND BLAMED FOR BOGUS CHARGES DUE TO A GOVERNORS CAMPAIGN BASED ON DECEIT.
HA!
"BILL DEWEESE DID TESTIFY BEFORE THE GRAND JURY, THIS IS 100% CORRECT AND REPORTED IN THE MEDIA AS CONFIRMATION."
No, he didn't, and no, it wasn't. Get your head out of Bill DeWeese's ass.
And Bill DeWeese does have defacto immunity, if not formal immunity, or else he would have been charged.
Company they keep: Former GOP U.S. Attorney Tom Marino (top) was listed as a reference for DeNaples' slots license, and now works for DeNaples. PA Attorney General Tom Corbett refuses to return $55,000 contribution from DeNaples.
You are confused, Anonymous friend who SHOUTS. DeWeese met with investigators but it has never been reported to our knowledge that he went before the grand jury.
The Harrisburg Two Step trick for compromised GOP Corbett prosecutors us to keep public attention focused on the small-scale Democratic staff bonus scandal, and away from revelations involving the truly dark and shameful Rendell/Corbett/DeNaples travesty.
it does not matter how this plays out...Corbett is getting his publicity and the public is paying for his campaign props. The public is used to that. But, come NNovember the worm will turn and he will lose. Times are changing and the people will be back to boot Corbett out!
Signor Ferrari said...You are confused, Anonymous friend who SHOUTS. DeWeese met with investigators but it has never been reported to our knowledge that he went before the grand jury.
March 10, 2010 11:42 AM
Signor Ferrari, I have the highest respect for you and all the Defendants, and defended all of you many times here, and respectfully disagree on your DeWeese opinions here, but so be it, we can agree to disagree.
I tried to look up where I read DeWeese did go before the Grand Jury, but could not find it.
Therefore, I apologize and stand corrected.
In any event, still pulling for all of you for total acquittal, this has been a bias, unfair, and political process, in my humble opinion.
Here is what I found and must have misread it:
DeWeese, D-Greene County, recently received a letter inviting him to appear before a grand jury in the corruption investigation. He appeared voluntarily for the interview, but has not yet been before the grand jury, his attorney, Walter Cohen, said Wednesday.
"Bill DeWeese has met this week with Attorney General (Tom) Corbett's investigative team and he will continue to cooperate with them as he has for the past 34 months," Cohen wrote in an e-mail.
"That (grand jury appearance) is still a possibility, but that is something we're not going to talk about," Cohen said in an interview Tuesday. Grand jury proceedings are secret.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_657057.html
The Defense Lawyers should have asked the Investigators if they were courtesy and acted properly when talking to witnesses and if they saw the prosecutors use the F-word often.
This way, Veon's witnesses can tell the truth how they were abused at the Grand Jury and during the investigation, plus catch the AG Agents in more lies.
From what I heard at the Ramaley trial, AG Corbett's Staffers, Prosecutors, and Agents were very vulgar, abusive, and constantly used the F-word.
There was no need for that kind of behavior.
From what I've read, DeWeese "met" with the OAG numerous imes, mostly to throw people like LaGrotta under the bus for, well, exactly what Bill was eventually charged with. Then when he was charged for exactly what he said LaGrotta did, he was just amazed and shocked that the OAG would charge him too, after him supplying evidence on others.
Of course along the way he fired and then excoriated his staffers, and blamed everything on his staffers. Or Veon. Or anyone ther than him.
So despite his constant cli of fully cooperating and being personally blameless, I'd give him an "A" for being smart enough to realize testifying would either require him to admit his guilt on bonuses, on cmpaigning on state time, and very much on using state resources and staff for personal gain, or committing obvious perjury.
He may be reprehensible, self aggrandizing, narcissistic, unthoughtful to staff, vry disloyal and guilty, but e isn't as stupid as people migh think.
Is it true that Majority Leader Eachus hid and took shelter by taking the fifth and refusing to testify FOR the Defense?
And he calls himself Michael Veon's legacy!!!!!
You guys will have plenty of time to discuss who is to blame when you are sitting around a cell block. They may open a legislative wing!
The Fact is any Trial Attorney will tell you, that they wanted DeWeese and Eachus to take the Fifth, if they had testified it would have been curtains for the Defense plan.
The entire Defense Plan was based upon having to blame someone else, and that person was DeWeese.
It was intended to leave reasonable doubt in the jurors and that was the goal and purpose all along.
Hope it works too! None of these charges should have been brought forth in the first place.
Anonymous said...
Is it true that Majority Leader Eachus hid and took shelter by taking the fifth and refusing to testify FOR the Defense?
And he calls himself Michael Veon's legacy!!!!!
March 10, 2010 11:13 PM
One sign of Mental illness is when you take pleasure in others misfortunes.
I hope all are found innocent and you repent in your ways, so you have a brighter day.
These are good people that served the public well for many years, and that cannot be denied.
Even if they are acquitted, this has a taken a terrible toll of their health, income, families, and friends.
So, good luck to you and all your wishes for their demise, we hope you change your ways and nothing ever happens bad for you, no matter what happens, these are strong people that will stand tall no matter how much you try to knock them down.
You do not have to like them but you need not condemn them.
We will pray for your recovery of enjoying people being hurt trying to defend themselves, as they should, since it is their right.
Anonymous 2:18, since the jury never got to hear that DeWeese (or anyone else) took the Fifth, how does that help the defense?
Just think!! January 20 2011 will bring us a new governor who will have defeated Tom Corbett in spite of his Pay with the People's Dime on their Time scam.
The Veon Machine will have defeated this sham and got out the vote against the bumbling egomaniac.
They should erect a monument next to Boise Penrose's statute aCROSS FROM sTRawberry Square to the incompetency of Tom Corbett..GO TEAM VEON GO... GO TEAM CASA..
Justice for all!! Surcharge Corbett!!
Why should anyone revel in the tragedy of others? I agee with other posters in two respects: all the people caught up in this were and are good peopl who sought to do good, and regardless of any outcome they have suffered an enormous price and tragedy allready. It is amazing how many people involved in the doings in the State Capitol, Rs and Ds, have somehow been able to adopt a holier than though reaction when they know better.
As it all winds down I wish all involved good luck. Who really knows what will happen, but as the trial closes out I am struck with a surprising conclusion that the best lawyering in the ase was the quiet lawyers for Keefer and Rosepink. Both Fetterhoff and Palermo were very circumspect throughout the trial and likeable. Frankly Raynak, Sansome, Walk and most the OAG lawyers were the opposite. In the end I think the jury listened more nd gave more weight to those two bcause they didn't have constant loud, overbearing and often outlandish outbursts that made them seem desperate, unbelieveable and unlikeable. I certainly hope that helps SK and AMPR.
Best wishes to all.
Manzo lied. Foreman lied. Lavelle lied. Bliss lied. Pronesti lied. Webb lied. Caton lied. Steiner Blainer lied. Lewis lied. Brubaker lied. Martz lied. Lesperance lied. Reever lied. Smith lied. Cook lied. The e-mails were altered. The OAG investigators altered evidence and made stuff up. The OAG agents were mean to people. DeWeese lied - well, actually that is almost certainly true.
Also, it wasn't illegal. If it was llegal someone else did it. And if someone else didn't do t, then we were st following orders.
Anonymous said...Signor Ferrari said...You are confused, Anonymous friend who SHOUTS. DeWeese met with investigators but it has never been reported to our knowledge that he went before the grand jury.
March 10, 2010 11:42 AM
Signor Ferrari, I have the highest respect for you and all the Defendants, and defended all of you many times here, and respectfully disagree on your DeWeese opinions here, but so be it, we can agree to disagree.
I tried to look up where I read DeWeese did go before the Grand Jury, but could not find it.
Therefore, I apologize and stand corrected.
In any event, still pulling for all of you for total acquittal, this has been a bias, unfair, and political process, in my humble opinion.
Here is what I found and must have misread it:
DeWeese, D-Greene County, recently received a letter inviting him to appear before a grand jury in the corruption investigation. He appeared voluntarily for the interview, but has not yet been before the grand jury, his attorney, Walter Cohen, said Wednesday.
"Bill DeWeese has met this week with Attorney General (Tom) Corbett's investigative team and he will continue to cooperate with them as he has for the past 34 months," Cohen wrote in an e-mail.
"That (grand jury appearance) is still a possibility, but that is something we're not going to talk about," Cohen said in an interview Tuesday. Grand jury proceedings are secret.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_657057.html March 10, 2010 12:53 PM"
NO YOU ARE OUTRIGHT WRONG, SIGNOR TOO.
DeWeese did testify before the Grand Jury and did 3 Interviews with the OAG Investigators, totally over 15 hours in responding to questions.
And in spite of his cooperation was charged too!
So, both of you are wrong.
Anonymous said...Just think!! January 20 2011 will bring us a new governor who will have defeated Tom Corbett in spite of his Pay with the People's Dime on their Time scam. The Veon Machine will have defeated this sham and got out the vote against the bumbling egomaniac. They should erect a monument next to Boise Penrose's statute aCROSS FROM sTRawberry Square to the incompetency of Tom Corbett..GO TEAM VEON GO... GO TEAM CASA..
Justice for all!! Surcharge Corbett!! March 11, 2010 2:22 PM
I agree the Democrats should organize and deliver a concerted effort against Corbett's Campaign, everywhere it goes.
We know Corbett as Ag will not bring charges or even have an investigation completed against his Republican house and Senate members before any election.
So let the Democrats organize a thousand CasaBlancaPA pointing out each Republican Candidates for the House or Senate campaigning on state time, and not being investigated for it.
It needs to be organizing and so far I do not see it, the Democrats just stand there like Lambs ready slaughter.
TO THE PEOPLE OF THE PENNSYLVANIA:
It is time to return to decency by the grace of Almighty God our Party stand again for Re-election.
We have come, dedicated and committed, to the task of destroying every vestige of the misuse of prosecution control over your daily lives, and of restoring, upon a foundation of indestructible, strength, the liberties of commonwealth people of Pennsylvania.
The seat of our government is now being firmly re-established everywhere on Pennsylvania soil.
The hour of our redemption is here.
Our patriots have demonstrated an unswerving and resolute devotion to the principles of freedom that challenges the best that is written on the pages of human history.
Let us now call upon a supreme effort that Corbett may know from the temper of an aroused and outraged people.
Let Corbett know he has a force there to contend with no less violent than is the force committed from without.
Rally to the Democrats.
Let the indomitable spirit of Jefferson and Roosevelt lead on.
As the lines of the election battle roll forward to bring you within the zone of operations, rise and strike.
Strike, at every favorable opportunity when Corbett attempts to say otherwise and dog his campaign.
Strike, when Corbett is speaking before the media and ask him why no investigations of his close friend Republican Senators after 4 long years?
Strike, for your homes, schools, and hearts, strike!
Strike, for future generations of your sons and daughters, strike!
Strike, in the name of of those charged from this political investigation for Corbett's own gain, strike!
Strike, let no heart be faint. Let every arm be steeled. The guidance of divine God points the way.
Follow in His Name and for the full truth to the Holy Grail of righteous victory, and let true Christians know the under dealing of political schemers like Corbett that practice no regard for the truth!
Strike!
DeWeese met with investigators as you say; he did not testify before the grand jury.
Anonymous said...Manzo lied. Foreman lied. Lavelle lied. Bliss lied. Pronesti lied. Webb lied. Caton lied. Steiner Blainer lied. Lewis lied. Brubaker lied. Martz lied. Lesperance lied. Reever lied. Smith lied. Cook lied. The e-mails were altered. The OAG investigators altered evidence and made stuff up. The OAG agents were mean to people. DeWeese lied - well, actually that is almost certainly true. Also, it wasn't illegal. If it was llegal someone else did it. And if someone else didn't do t, then we were st following orders. March 11, 2010 2:37 PM
Good to see you have found the truth, speak the truth, and now know what was orchestrated at the Grand Jury of, by, and for the foul mouthed AG Prosecutors, came crashing down UNDER OATH, on Cross-Examination when all of the truth was exposed, not just what the Prosecutors created.
Now go and spread the truth and sin no more!
I agree, have a group follow Corbett with readymade signs, saying "CORBETT CAMPAIGNING ON STATE TIME!"
Have Vans and cars posted it too, put it before Corbett's Caravans and after it!
Anytime he enters a Hotel to Speak, be there, yell out, lift the signs, make him squirm and explain why he is campaigning when he is the Attorney General.
Work with the Tea Baggers and other Conservatives.
Strike!
Signor Ferrari said...
DeWeese met with investigators as you say; he did not testify before the grand jury.
March 11, 2010 3:06 PM
I know if you check it out, you will find he did, and he did it withouit taking the fifth!
I admire you, I respect you, I would not lie to you.
Check it out!
Anonymous said...Anonymous 2:18, since the jury never got to hear that DeWeese (or anyone else) took the Fifth, how does that help the defense? March 11, 2010 1:11 PM
Well, the Opening Statements by Raynack claimed DeWeese was in charge from the start, NOT Veon.
Also, so far every closing statement by every Attorney has blamed Manzo, Brubaker and Foreman, NOT DeWeese!
Consequently, there is enough REASONABLE DOUBT for Veon & Company not to be convicted, when DeWeese did not show to testify, and well after Manzo, foreman, and Brubakers all admitted to lying and that Veon NEVER ordered them to campaign or pay bonuses for State time.
If DeWeese had testified, much underwear would have needed cleaning.
This way, DeWeese is not there, did not testify, and the Defense Lawyers can use it to promote Reasonable Doubt, does exists!
It was the THE MAJOR DEFENSE PLAN all along, DeWeese was in charge, but no DeWeese for Cross-Examination? So, Reasonable Doubt Exists!
Anonymous said...
I agree, have a group follow Corbett with readymade signs, saying "CORBETT CAMPAIGNING ON STATE TIME!"
Have Vans and cars posted it too, put it before Corbett's Caravans and after it!
Anytime he enters a Hotel to Speak, be there, yell out, lift the signs, make him squirm and explain why he is campaigning when he is the Attorney General.
Work with the Tea Baggers and other Conservatives.
Strike!
March 11, 2010 3:14 PM
Better Yet, Keep Asking him When Will His Fellow Republican Senator Friends Be Investigated, Brought Before A Grand Jury, And Why Not Before The Election?
Why Over 3 Years And With 800 Employees, Not One Republican Senators Questioned On Bonusgate Bigger Than The Democrats Staffers?
Did And Will The AG Investigators Use The F-Word And Shouts Against Them To Intimidate The Senators?
The More You Ask The More You See Him Squirm Like A Worm!
Make Sure You Do It On Video, So A Campaign Commercial Can Be Made For All The People To See!
Palermo: Efrem Grail of Pittsburgh law firm Reed Smith ran the petition challenge effort.....
Well, Redd Smith has deep pockets, if Nader wants someone to sue for his Ballots being knocked off, Reded Smith has the money to pay it, keep it confidential, and want it removed from Public View.
Oh right, Reed Smith is a Big Republican law firm, wonder why they were not investigated?
Dermody's wife should resign out of protest!
I. REASONABLE DOUBT:
Generally the prosecution bears the burden of proof and is required to prove their version of events to this standard.
This means that the proposition being presented by the prosecution must be proven to the extent that there is no "reasonable doubt" in the mind of a reasonable person that the defendant is guilty.
There can still be a doubt, but only to the extent that it would not affect a "reasonable person's" belief regarding whether or not the defendant is guilty.
The level of certainty a juror must have to find a defendant guilty of a crime.
A real doubt, based upon reason and common sense after careful and impartial consideration of all the evidence, or lack of evidence, in a case.
Proof beyond a reasonable doubt, therefore, is proof of such a convincing character that you would be willing to rely and act upon it without hesitation in the most important of your own affairs.
However, it does not mean an absolute certainty.
HISTORY:
The use of "reasonable doubt" as a standard requirement in the western justice system originated in medieval England.
In English common law prior to the "reasonable doubt" standard, passing judgment in criminal trials had severe religious repercussions for jurors.
According to Christian law prior to the 1780s: “the Juryman who finds any other person guilty, is liable to the Vengeance of God upon his Family and Trade, Body and Soul, in this world and that to come.”
It was also believed that “In every case of doubt, where one’s salvation is in peril, one must always take the safer way. . . . A judge who is in doubt must refuse to judge.”
It was in reaction to these "religious fears" that "reasonable doubt" was introduced in the late 17th century to English common law, thereby allowing jurors to more easily convict.
Therefore the original use of the "reasonable doubt" standard was opposite to its modern use of limiting a juror's ability to convict.
II. LEGAL BURDEN OF PROOF:
A "Legal Burden" or a "Burden of Persuasion" is an obligation that remains on a single party for the duration of the claim.
Once the burden has been entirely discharged to the satisfaction of the trier of fact, the party carrying the burden will succeed in its claim.
For example, the presumption of innocence places a legal burden upon the prosecution to prove all elements of the offence (generally beyond a reasonable doubt) and to disprove all the defences except for affirmative defenses in which the proof of nonexistence of all affirmative defence(s) is not constitutionally required of the prosecution.
An "Evidentiary Burden" or "burden of leading evidence" is an obligation that shifts between parties over the course of the hearing or trial.
A party may submit evidence that the court will consider prima facie evidence of some state of affairs. This creates an evidentiary burden upon the opposing party to present evidence to refute the presumption.
Raynak - questioning the need for the OAG to "PREP" and why the AG did not tape record the sessions.
FINALLY, SOMEONE QUESTIONS IF THE OAG WAS SO SURE OF THEIR INVESTIGATION AND CASES, WHY WERE THEY AFRAID TO TAPE RECORD THE INTERVIEWS AND HEARINGS????
WHAT WAS THE CORBETT, DAG PROSECUTORS, OAG AGENTS AFRAID OF, MAYBE THE FULL TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE FULL TRUTH.
CORBETT'S CAMPAIGN WOULD SINK IF THE CASE STINKS!
Raynak needs someone to proof his slides. They have more typos than my tweets!
Well, Typos are not Lies like the OAG put forth!
The Typo's i read here are far frrom perfeut!
Finally they mention employee manual. It is a "manual" not the ten commandments. There are 102 members that are asked to follow it. Some do not. Unfair?, probably.Does it rise to criminality to not follow it? No. As Justice Scalia said, "if i call in sick and go to a baseball game is it wrong? Yes, but it is not a criminal offence". I belive that Veon and others should be held accountable for not enforcing leave rules. Admonish him but do not call him a criminal. Prior to leave slips implemented in the 90's it was up to each legislator to keep leave. Some were anal about it, some were more lenient. There was no comp time, no overtime but the job got done. Had the legislature had to pay overtime the cost would now be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Anonymous said...Finally they mention employee manual. It is a "manual" not the ten commandments. There are 102 members that are asked to follow it. Some do not. Unfair?, probably.Does it rise to criminality to not follow it? No. As Justice Scalia said, "if i call in sick and go to a baseball game is it wrong? Yes, but it is not a criminal offence". I belive that Veon and others should be held accountable for not enforcing leave rules. Admonish him but do not call him a criminal. Prior to leave slips implemented in the 90's it was up to each legislator to keep leave. Some were anal about it, some were more lenient. There was no comp time, no overtime but the job got done. Had the legislature had to pay overtime the cost would now be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
March 11, 2010 5:57 PM
Agreed, AG Corbett turned many common and regular practices into crimes at his interpretation, and we know from his education, Corbett was never very bright, and a pawn of Waste Management.
It is a shame these charges were brought and sham of a trial they were given any credence.
The trial has moved to closing remarks, without Veon, Cott, Keefer or Perreta-Rosepink taking the stand to profess their innocence.
If this is as botched of an investigation and prosecution as CasablancaPA would have us believe, what do you say about this failure to defend one's self?
Oh, you have plenty to say about DeWeese not taking the stand as a defense witness in this case. But that's understandable, since you have sought from Day One to make him the scapegoat for all of these shenanigans.
But we will read nary a peep from CasablancaPA about the Veon Four being too afraid to tell the jury, from their own mouths, that they had nothing to do with campaigning on state time, misuse of taxpayer money, or the bonus scheme that was cooked up.
I suspect that they didn't take the stand because the prosecutors would have had a field day on cross-examination.
Why would DeWeese or anybody else want to voluntarily participate in Veon's Circus, where a bellicose ringmaster like defense attorney Raynak has been so out of control with his behavior that the judge had to admonish him repeatedly?
The whole episode proved one thing: That Bill Coustopoulos, DeWeese's attorney who wouldn't let him take the stand as a defense witness, is a better legal mind that Raynak.
He wasn't going to subject his client to this three-ring circus.
First of all, neither DeWeese nor anyone else can choose to reject a subpoena because he doesn't want to testify, or because he doesn't feel like helping the defense or because the trial is a "three ring circus." Unless a monumental miscarriage of justice has taken place - lying to the court is also a crime, the only reason DeWeese was excused was because he had a legitimate fear that his testimony would incriminate himself.
We invite our misinformed friends to reread the post with more of an eye for detail. Our derision was directed not at DeWeese's exercise of his constitutional right, but at Corbett's failure to charge DeWeese (and at the Capitol press corps' failure to ask the obvious question why).
Anonymous said...
Is it true that Majority Leader Eachus hid and took shelter by taking the fifth and refusing to testify FOR the Defense?
And he calls himself Michael Veon's legacy!!!!!
March 10, 2010 11:13 PM
+++++
Todd Eachus couldn't lead running water down a steep hill and he certianly is no Mike Veon - Legacy - HA! Leader - Double HA!HA!
It is rumored that he has spent over $1 million alone in 2009 on outside legal counsel and that bill continues to churn - it's like a money machine for Casey's firm. Not to mention the dozens and dozens if incapable staff members he hired and/or promoted with huge salaries.
For the good of the Caucus, Eachus should resign tomorrow. His inability to lead and now this sign of weakness will have long term effects for the caucus. He certainly isn't protecting the institution or his members - he is only protecting himself.
Anonymous said...
The trial has moved to closing remarks, without Veon, Cott, Keefer or Perreta-Rosepink taking the stand to profess their innocence.
If this is as botched of an investigation and prosecution as CasablancaPA would have us believe, what do you say about this failure to defend one's self?
Oh, you have plenty to say about DeWeese not taking the stand as a defense witness in this case. But that's understandable, since you have sought from Day One to make him the scapegoat for all of these shenanigans.
But we will read nary a peep from CasablancaPA about the Veon Four being too afraid to tell the jury, from their own mouths, that they had nothing to do with campaigning on state time, misuse of taxpayer money, or the bonus scheme that was cooked up.
I suspect that they didn't take the stand because the prosecutors would have had a field day on cross-examination.
March 11, 2010 7:42 PM
Anonymous 7:42PM has a good point, Team Casa did put out numerous articles on DeWeese, and took delight in his Charges, and have been beaten on him the last week, for taking the Fifth.
Yet, Team Casa Right Not To Testify and continue to blame DeWeese seems like the Hypocrisy you have correctly pointed out here by Corbett?
As I Stated many times, one cannot accuse DeWeese while defending themselves, and then blaming DeWeese over and over.
It undercuts your own arguments!
Anonymous said...Why would DeWeese or anybody else want to voluntarily participate in Veon's Circus, where a bellicose ringmaster like defense attorney Raynak has been so out of control with his behavior that the judge had to admonish him repeatedly?
The whole episode proved one thing: That Bill Coustopoulos, DeWeese's attorney who wouldn't let him take the stand as a defense witness, is a better legal mind that Raynak.
He wasn't going to subject his client to this three-ring circus.
March 11, 2010 7:48 PM
Good point, Defense Attorney Raynack made some great points, but in a style that had to turn off many jurors.
Attorney Raynack rushed his Closing with panic speech, all due to his passion to defend Veon, and that is understandable, but not professional.
Attorney William Costopoulos will prove to be far better and professional.
Signor Ferrari said...
First of all, neither DeWeese nor anyone else can choose to reject a subpoena because he doesn't want to testify, or because he doesn't feel like helping the defense or because the trial is a "three ring circus." Unless a monumental miscarriage of justice has taken place - lying to the court is also a crime, the only reason DeWeese was excused was because he had a legitimate fear that his testimony would incriminate himself.
We invite our misinformed friends to reread the post with more of an eye for detail. Our derision was directed not at DeWeese's exercise of his constitutional right, but at Corbett's failure to charge DeWeese (and at the Capitol press corps' failure to ask the obvious question why).
March 11, 2010 8:15 PM
Not so fast, previous post has been why Corbett did not charge many others but especially DeWeese.
Once DeWeese was charged, Casa continued to say he was a Secret Immunity Witness now turn into a DeFacto Immunity Witness.
If you read all your posts, it is clear Casa has no love or empathy for Bill DeWeese.
However, to your credit, Casa Defense Team did chew up Corbett's Prosecutors and Witnesses on Cross-examination.
I think you provided so much hits, it is like softening up the Beach Head before the invasion.
William Costopoulos will turn the tables on AG Office before the trial, to where they might have to dismiss the charges against DeWeese.
I hope all are found Not Guilty, no matter how much I disagree and respect your views.
Signor Ferrari said...We invite our misinformed friends to reread the post with more of an eye for detail. Our derision was directed not at DeWeese's exercise of his constitutional right, but at Corbett's failure to charge DeWeese (and at the Capitol press corps' failure to ask the obvious question why).....March 11, 2010 8:15 PM
Well, that may serve as your purpose, but your own Defense Attorneys, during Cross, provided evidence from AG Witnesses that DeWeese was not in the loop, did not pay attention to details, and could not prove DeWeese knew?
Furthermore, on closings, 3 of 4 Attorneys in their closings outright blamed Manzo, Foreman, and Brubaker, NOT DeWeese.
Hard to dump on Corbett for not bringing Bonusgate Chargers against DeWeese, when your Attorneys said DeWeese was a frivolous Administrator?
For Example Briggs Twitter:
Fetterhoff sez Manzo, Foreman & Scott Brubaker were highest non-elected officials in the House. They are most culpable.
Fetterhoff: 32-year old Mike Manzo was an ambitious but inexperienced Chief of Staff.
Fetterhoff: Bill DeWeese was a frivolous and negligent minority leader. A frivolous and negligent administrator.
Fetterhoff: Keefer is a victim, not a criminal. A victim in a world he did not create and did not control.
Fetterhoff: If you find there are criminal acts in this case, you must decide who is culpable.
Keefer never had criminal intent
Walk: We all know who hatched the bonus scheme--Manzo and Brubaker.
PPG Twitter:
Walk: The co-conspirators who got plea deals were the ones who created the #bonusgate program & directed the campaign work.
Walk: Brubaker testified that was "just the implementor." But on cross-exam he "admitted he was in it up to his waist."
Palermo: A person can be a victim of circumstance, or they can be an architect of circumstance. My client is not an architect.
Palermo: Jeff Foreman is the one who sent them to Beaver. APR did not tell them to go there.
Earl Mosley pleaded guilty. He had questioned #bonusgate scheme but his boss & close friend S. Brubaker told him it was OK.
Palermo: If you think the Nader petition challenge was APR's idea, then you should think about convicting her.
Palermo: Efrem Grail of Pittsburgh law firm Reed Smith ran the petition challenge effort.
Raynak: Why would u believe witnesses who lied to agents, gave fake jobs to girlfriends, gave selves bonuses & lied to friends.
Raynak: Some witnesses suddenly remembered things on stand that they had never said before during hours of interviews.
Raynak: Employees called Manzo "the chief." He was in charge.
Raynak: Mike Veon did not falsify records. He did not submit false travel receipts.
Anonymous said...Why would DeWeese or anybody else want to voluntarily participate in Veon's Circus,,,,,He wasn't going to subject his client to this three-ring circus. March 11, 2010 7:48 PM
One correction to be fair to Veon & Defendants, Raynack did not cause this Three Ring Circus.....Corbett's AG Office Employees under Corbett did, along with Corbett's Campaign Staff for his Governorship.
Let us be fair, Raynack had to perform before a Circus created by Corbett, Of Corbett, and for Corbett's Campaign, Not Veon!
The price for this ticket is astounding, all those 800 OAG employees salaries, resources, and letting all salaries and bonus money being kept by the AG Immunity Witnesses?
The price for the Defendants that had to attend is outright financial ruination.
Pretty steep prices for a Governor Campaign that will not ask for the return of Bonuses since Corbett's owns staffers would have to do it when they got them while working in the House and Senate.
ALL DISGUISED IN PROTECTING TAXPAYERS MONEY? SPENT MORE BY THE OAG THAN HOUSE OR SENATE!
Circus is over after today, going for Acquittal, if not a Hung Jury, if Guilty, overturned on Appeal!
I digress again, Signor Ferrari, but why would DeWeese subject himself to the infamous "perp walk", the comments of ignorant news reporters, the foul mouth screaming of Reeder?
Take the fifth. Lawyers always advise it.
Readers of Casablanca know what happened.
DeWeese, the fool, will have to find his own friends...if any are left.
"Once DeWeese was charged, Casa continued to say he was a Secret Immunity Witness now turn into a DeFacto Immunity Witness."
Tom Corbett must be so pleased that his sleight-of-hand worked so well! Once again, DeWeese has not been charged in connection with the activities at the center of the current case.
Just because he got charged with something else does not prove he didn't strike a deal on these charges.
Corbett has never explained how DeWeese avoided charges, despite the abundance of evidence of his involvement.
From the Philadelphia Inquirer, March 11, wtory titled, "Veon defense ends, and he doesn't testify":
Also taking the stand yesterday was a state legislator who testified that he played in regular pickup basketball games with Veon, not only as a way to stay in shape but also to learn from a seasoned politician.
"It was one way to get a one-on-one with the guy who was making the decisions for the caucus," said Rep. Marc Gergely (D-Allegheny), who was elected to the statre House in 2002.
Signor Ferrari said...
"Once DeWeese was charged, Casa continued to say he was a Secret Immunity Witness now turn into a DeFacto Immunity Witness."
Tom Corbett must be so pleased that his sleight-of-hand worked so well! Once again, DeWeese has not been charged in connection with the activities at the center of the current case.
Just because he got charged with something else does not prove he didn't strike a deal on these charges.
Corbett has never explained how DeWeese avoided charges, despite the abundance of evidence of his involvement.
March 12, 2010 8:07 AM
I agree to disagree, but today I only want 4 Acquittals!
Good Luck and Gospeed Signor!
When the law and the facts are against you , bring in Hitler and the Nazis , sure , that works for me ! I actually liked Mike Veon , but this is despicable.
karl martel said...
When the law and the facts are against you , bring in Hitler and the Nazis , sure , that works for me ! I actually liked Mike Veon , but this is despicable.
March 12, 2010 11:37 PM
Sorry, but when AG Corbett Campaign staffers use Nazi Campaign Tactics and his Prosecutors violate Ethics, there is nothing wrong in pointing it out that it is despicable.
I admire and respect Mike Veon and his standing up to the OAG Behavior for Corbett's Campagin goals.
Corbett is using State Resources for his Campiagn the same thing he charged Veon with, and that is fact too.
You cannot claim you are protecting Taxpayers Dollars, and the permit Satte Immunity Witnesses to keep their jobs, bonuses, and pensions, after they admit breaking the law.
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