Bonusgate Takes Big Turn in Court

A former aide to state House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese today testified in court that his boss knew bonuses were given to state workers as rewards for illegal campaign work - and that he “condoned” them. Until now, former DeWeese chief of staff Mike Manzo was one of the most important defendants charged with corruption, theft and criminal conspiracy in the bonus case. His testimony in the preliminary hearing for former caucus staffer Annamarie Perretta-Rosepink was a real surprise in the courtroom. State Senior Deputy Attorney General Anthony Krastek says Manzo agreed to a plea bargain right before the hearing. He says the state made no promises of leniency in return for his testimony. Manzo's lawyer told reporters he would plead guilty to at least three felony charges brought against him. The attorney general has not charged Majority Leader DeWeese. Attorney General Corbett says his investigation continues in to both republican and Democratic activities. No additional charges will be filed until after the November election.