The long awaited trial of Michael Veon et al in what has been dubbed Bonusgate is over with the jury announcing its verdict at 8P.M.
In the order of the announcement:
Mike Veon has been found guilty in 14 of the 59 charges against him. Defendent Brett Cott was found guilty of 3 of 42 charges against him. Stephen Keefer was found not guilty of any charges. Anna Marie Peretta-Rosepink was found guilty in 5 of the 22 charges against her.
Earlier in the day, Dauphin County Judge Richard Lewis denied a defense motion for a mistrial.
The judge was empathetic towards the jury for their length of service and hardship. The jury is discharged and heads home.
Read the story by Tracie Mauriello of the Post Gazette by clicking here.
Showing posts with label Stephen Keefer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stephen Keefer. Show all posts
Monday, March 22, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Bonusgate Deliberations Affecting Jurors
SInce the media in Northeastern Pennsylvania are practically ignoring Michael Veon et al's Bonusgate trial SOP wants to highlight the latest from Tracie Mauriello of the Post Gazette. In this story she talks about the toll deliberations are taking in this case on jurors to this point.
We're turning on each other," one told Dauphin County Judge Richard A. Lewis from the jury box as she and others dabbed their eyes.
"I can imagine it is hard for a jury to announce a unanimous decision," Judge Lewis said. "Juries are able to do that at most times, and we ask that you keep trying."
Jurors are considering 139 criminal charges against four defendants, including former state Rep. Mike Veon, who represented Beaver County and at one time was the second-ranking Democrat in the state House.
Judge Lewis told jurors that deliberation is not about taking a firm stand but about "talking to your neighbors. Sometimes it takes an effort on everyone's part to do that."
The exchange came as jurors ended their 29th hours of deliberations over four days, following six weeks of testimony.
"We're aware of the strain on you, all 12 of you. I'm sure it's a terrible strain," Judge Lewis said.
The jurors did indicate they came to a conclusion against one defendent in the case. However, their deliberations continue.
We're turning on each other," one told Dauphin County Judge Richard A. Lewis from the jury box as she and others dabbed their eyes.
"I can imagine it is hard for a jury to announce a unanimous decision," Judge Lewis said. "Juries are able to do that at most times, and we ask that you keep trying."
Jurors are considering 139 criminal charges against four defendants, including former state Rep. Mike Veon, who represented Beaver County and at one time was the second-ranking Democrat in the state House.
Judge Lewis told jurors that deliberation is not about taking a firm stand but about "talking to your neighbors. Sometimes it takes an effort on everyone's part to do that."
The exchange came as jurors ended their 29th hours of deliberations over four days, following six weeks of testimony.
"We're aware of the strain on you, all 12 of you. I'm sure it's a terrible strain," Judge Lewis said.
The jurors did indicate they came to a conclusion against one defendent in the case. However, their deliberations continue.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Defense Rests And Now Onto Closing Arguments- Bonusgate Trial
Yesterday the defense rested in the Michael Veon et al Bonusgate trial at the Dauphin County Courthouse in Harrisburg. In this report filed by Tracie Mauriello from the Post-Gazette, she sums up those proceedings plus some comments by defense attorneys relating to the trial.
"Was there [campaign-related] e-mail sent on state time? Yes, just like everybody else uses the state e-mail system for fantasy football or whatever," Mr. Walk said. "This staff worked so hard and so long that all of these minor infractions are what we would call de minimis."
Follow Tracie's twitter tweets at the link to the right for today. Defense attorneys are blaming everyone from former Rep. Steven Stetler and Rep. Bill Deweese to Frankel, Manzo, and others as the real perpetrators of misuse of taxpayer moneys.
Editorially speaking it was gang mentality that brought these charges. It will be up to the jury whether the "pack" is accountable.
Senior Deputy Attorney General E. Marc Costanzo said he is confident that the prosecution made its case and that the jury will find each defendant guilty.
"Was there [campaign-related] e-mail sent on state time? Yes, just like everybody else uses the state e-mail system for fantasy football or whatever," Mr. Walk said. "This staff worked so hard and so long that all of these minor infractions are what we would call de minimis."
Follow Tracie's twitter tweets at the link to the right for today. Defense attorneys are blaming everyone from former Rep. Steven Stetler and Rep. Bill Deweese to Frankel, Manzo, and others as the real perpetrators of misuse of taxpayer moneys.
Editorially speaking it was gang mentality that brought these charges. It will be up to the jury whether the "pack" is accountable.
Senior Deputy Attorney General E. Marc Costanzo said he is confident that the prosecution made its case and that the jury will find each defendant guilty.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Bonusgate Trial- After 4 Weeks Still At It
For some strange reason the media in NEPA is ignoring the Michael Veon et al "Bonusgate" trial underway in Dauphin County Courthouse. SOP has provided links to a few reporters using Twitter from the courtroom in the side bar.
In today's testimony Barbara Grill was "grilled"(sorry couldn't resist the temptation) about her role and that of Veon. Tracey Mauriello of the Post Gazette highlights her testimony here.
Mr. Veon and co-defendants Brett Cott, Stephen Keefer and Annamarie Perretta Rosepink are on trial for various charges including
theft, conspiracy and conflict of interest for allegedly using taxpayer resources to fund political campaigns, something the media has dubbed "Bonusgate".
In today's testimony Barbara Grill was "grilled"(sorry couldn't resist the temptation) about her role and that of Veon. Tracey Mauriello of the Post Gazette highlights her testimony here.
Mr. Veon and co-defendants Brett Cott, Stephen Keefer and Annamarie Perretta Rosepink are on trial for various charges including
theft, conspiracy and conflict of interest for allegedly using taxpayer resources to fund political campaigns, something the media has dubbed "Bonusgate".
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