HARRISBURG (AP) - Former House speaker John Perzel told jurors in Pennsylvania's government corruption trial that defendant Brett Feese had to know taxpayers' money was being illegally spent for campaign purposes.
The Philadelphia resident testified Tuesday the illicit activity was common knowledge among top House Republicans. He described former Rep. Feese as a "hands-on manager" as chairman of the House Republican Campaign Committee.
Perzel, who has pleaded guilty to eight felony counts, admitted he erred in allowing computer consultants receiving millions of taxpayer dollars to develop technology for political purposes. He said he could not recall Feese ever attending a meeting with the heads of those companies.
Six others have also pleaded guilty.
Feese and his former aide Jill Seaman are on trial for theft, conspiracy, conflict of interest, hindering apprehension and obstruction.
Watch for a full report in tomorrow's Sun-Gazette.
