by KYW's Tony Romeo
Pennsylvania House Democratic Leader William DeWeese (photo) categorically denies allegations that he knew about a scheme to award bonuses to staffers for campaign work.
While testifying at a preliminary hearing Wednesday for 2 of 12 people charged in the so-called “bonusgate” probe, Michael Manzo – former chief of staff to DeWeese – said he believed that his former boss knew that staffers were being given bonuses for campaign work. (see related story) Manzo, who has been charged in the case, had earlier waived his preliminary hearing.
DeWeese has not been charged and he has responded by characterizing his former employee as a “desperate, disgruntled” man:
“I knew on the day that I fired him there was a risk that he would retaliate against me with false charges. But I fired him anyway, because I realized it was the right thing to do.”
DeWeese has insisted that he knew nothing and says the grand jury investigating the case has detailed the steps that those now charged took to keep their scheme secret.
E-Mail Story
Print Story
