Former House speaker Perzel surrenders to authorities

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/breaking/s_653050.html

By Brad Bumsted and Debra Erdley
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, November 14, 2009


HARRISBURG — Former House Speaker John Perzel, one of the most powerful members of the General Assembly since 1994, surrendered to authorities this morning after being charged with 82 felonies for allegedly masterminding what Attorney General Tom Corbett called a "sophisticated criminal strategy" to spend more than $10 million of taxpayers' money on political campaigns.

"I'll prove my innocence in court," Perzel, who was in handcuffs, told reporters as he made his way into a Lower Paxton Township district judge's office.

Corbett filed charges against Perzel, 59, and nine other Republicans, including a former legislator and Perzel's former chief of staff, based on recommendations of a 188-page grand jury report, said Corbett, a Republican candidate for governor.

Most of the $10 million the defendants are accused of using paid for computer technology to help Perzel, a Republican who represents a Northeast Philadelphia district, and other House Republicans win elections, a statewide grand jury concluded. Perzel is charged with theft, conspiracy, obstruction of justice and conflict of interest.

"By all accounts, Perzel was aggressive in the acquisition and retention of power," the grand jury report said. "He demanded obedience and loyalty, and punished or eliminated those, whether elected officials or employees, who challenged that power."

[Cirque du So-What]

1. That arrogance & aggressiveness will serve him well in prison

They other prisoners will probably name him Boss of Cell Block B. He'll be fine. Hope he takes his entire posse with him!

[Lerkfish]

2. gotta love how you have to wade deep into the story see the word "republican"

when its a democrat in trouble, its the very first word of the article.

[NRaleighLiberal]

3. Funny - I looked at the Op quickly and misread it as "Pretzel", which reminded me of *Dumya!