ABINGTON, Pa. - March 26, 2014 (WPVI) -- Pennsylvania state prosecutors won a first step Wednesday in their corruption case against state Sen. LeAnna Washington, securing a judges ruling that they have enough evidence for a trial on charges that Washington crossed the line when she allegedly ordered taxpayer-paid employees to organize an annual birthday party political fundraiser. For eight years, Washington pressured her Senate staff to devote weeks to drawing up guest lists that included city and state officials, creating invitations and taking money from invitees that ultimately went to Washingtons campaign account, prosecutors say. They also allegedly used taxpayer-paid computers, copiers and office supplies. District Judge John Kessler ruled that testimony from one of Washingtons former employees, Jamila Hall, was strong enough to allow the case to go to trial. In a grand jury presentment issued with the charges March 12, prosecutors listed seven current or former employees or interns, including Hall, who said they witnessed or carried out tasks to organize the fundraisers. Washington, 68, declined comment after the two-hour hearing at Kesslers Montgomery County office. Washington, a Democrat who represents parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County, is running for a third full term this year. The charges against Washington include one count each of theft of services and conflict of interest, both felonies. The attorney generals office estimated the monetary loss to the state could range from $30,000 to more than $100,000. She is scheduled for a formal arraignment May 7, just 13 days before her contested primary election against two Democratic Party challengers. Read the full story at 6-ABC Philadelphia→ Sound Off on Fox Nation
Posted on: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 13:39:10 +0000
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