Perzel, 9 others with GOP, ordered to corruption trials
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HARRISBURG -- State Rep. John Perzel of Philadelphia, former state Rep. Brett O. Feese of Lycoming and eight associates will face trial in a government corruption case centering on the use of millions of tax dollars for Republican campaign technology.
Dauphin County District Judge William Wenner this afternoon ordered all defendants held for trial. However, he dismissed four charges against Mr. Feese and four against his former secretary Jill Seaman. Those charges related to accusations they fabricated meeting notes to conceal Mr. Feese's knowledge of the alleged misuse of public funds.
Mr. Feese now faces 58 criminal charges and Mrs. Seaman 42.
Judge Wenner's order came despite arguments from defense attorneys during a preliminary hearing that concluded this morning. The attorneys argued that their clients weren't aware that the campaign technology was paid for with state dollars, that some of that technology also had a legitimate legislative purpose, and that they did not benefit personally from the alleged crimes.
Prosecutors say otherwise.
"All of these defendants -- to a greater or lesser degree -- take what doesn't belong to them. They take money from the public, money to be used for public services -- money for infrastructure and roads -- and they use it for campaigns," Deputy Attorney General Ken Brown said during closing arguments this morning.
"The goal of the overall scheme," he said, "is to take the people's money, convert to their own use" to get re-elected or get their bosses re-elected.
Held for trial with former House Speaker Perzel, Mr. Feese and Mrs. Seaman are the following:
Brian Preski of Philadelphia, a former chief of staff to Mr. Perzel.
Elmer "Al" Bowman of York County, a former Feese aide and former spokesman for the House Republican Campaign Committee.
Samuel "Buzz" Stokes of Philadelphia, Mr. Perzel's brother-in-law and campaign manager who was purportedly a ghost employee on House payroll.
Paul Towhey of Montgomery County, a former chief of staff to Mr. Perzel.
Don McClintock of Voorhees, N.J., a Perzel campaign aide.
Eric Ruth of Boca Raton, Fla., Mr. Perzel's nephew and former deputy director of information technology for the House Republican caucus.
Judge Wenner previously ordered a 10th defendant, John Zimmerman, held for trial. Mr. Zimmerman, a former caucus aide, is charged with hindering prosecution and obstruction for allegedly helping to hide evidence.
Formal arraignment is scheduled for July 8.
First Published May 27, 2010 1:05 pm
