Categories: LocalMoney

Attorney Confirms John Perzel’s Guilty Plea

Former state House speaker John Perzel is set to plead guilty today in the sweeping corruption probe into the misuse of state resources by several lawmakers.

Perzel was charged, along with former Republican lawmaker Brett Feese and eight former Perzel and Feese aides, in November 2009. The longtime Northeast Republican was accused of using more than $10 million of taxpayers’ money purely for campaign work and then trying to cover his tracks.

Perzel’s attorney, Fortunato Perri, confirmed that his client would plead guilty, but he declined to say to which charges or elaborate on the decision. Until today, Perzel had denied any wrongdoing and said he had no plans to accept a plea.

Earlier this month, Perzel’s former chief of staff, Paul Towhey; his brother-in-law and former House employee, Samuel “Buzz” Stokes; and Perzel’s former campaign aide Don McClintock pleaded guilty. Perzel’s trial was scheduled to begin Sept. 26.

Perzel, first elected in 1978, had represented the Northeast until losing to Democratic challenger Kevin Boyle in 2010.

Metro Philadelphia

Recent Posts

All-too-early Eagles 53-man roster prediction: How many rookies make the cut?

The Philadelphia Eagles enjoyed a stellar NFL Draft, and with OTA’s now on the horizon,…

2 hours ago

Former students of the for-profit Art Institutes are approved for $6 billion in loan cancellation

By COLLIN BINKLEY AP Education Writer The Biden administration on Wednesday said it will cancel…

3 hours ago

Pennsylvania moves to join states that punish stalkers who use Bluetooth tracking devices

Pennsylvania took a step toward becoming the latest state to punish someone for using a…

3 hours ago

Rojas and Castellanos homer in the 9th, leading the Phillies to a 7-5 comeback win over the Angels

By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer Johan Rojas hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the…

4 hours ago

Tyrese Maxey saves Sixers’ season with 46-point masterclass

Madison Square Garden — The New York Knicks took to their home court with the…

14 hours ago

As National Hoagie Day approaches, which is Philadelphia’s favorite?

As National Hoagie Day approaches, which hoagie is Philly's favorite? Philadelphia is one of the…

20 hours ago

This website uses cookies.