Grand jury accuses state Sen. Jane Orie
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An Allegheny County grand jury has accused Jane Orie, the third-ranking Republican in the state Senate, of widespread use of her office and staff for political campaigns on state time, including the state Supreme Court campaign of her sister, Justice Joan Orie Melvin.
The grand jury's findings are expected to become public sometime this week, according to sources close to the case. Charges are expected against both Ms. Orie and one other person who is not believed to be a member of her staff.
The investigation, which became public knowledge Dec. 24, centers on allegations that staff and state resources were routinely used to arrange political meetings, fundraising and even work on telephone banks. Accusations include that political work stretched over several years and involved campaigns other than Justice Melvin's.
Justice Melvin has not been charged in the investigation, but sources connected to it said Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. might refer any involvement by her to the office of state Attorney General Tom Corbett.
Last night, Ms. Orie's attorney, Jerry McDevitt, said he was not surprised at word that his client would face charges. He reiterated his longstanding assertions that the prosecution of Ms. Orie, a Republican, by the office of Mr. Zappala, a Democrat, was politically motivated.
"It was obvious, from Day One, Zappala was going to try to wreck the Orie family to retaliate for the positions they've taken adverse to the Zappala family," he said.
Mr. McDevitt and Ms. Orie both have suggested that she has been targeted for prosecution because of her opposition to expanded casino gambling in Pennsylvania. Mr. Zappala's father, former state Supreme Court Justice Stephen A. Zappala Sr., has served as an official with a group representing the casino industry. The DA has repeatedly rejected the accusation, calling it a diversionary tactic.
First Published April 6, 2010 12:00 am
