Former lawmaker acquitted in Bonusgate trial

HARRISBURG - Former state Rep. Sean Ramaley was acquitted on all counts today in the first trial in the legislative scandal known as Bonusgate.

A Dauphin County Court jury deliberated less than three hours before finding the former two-term Democrat from Beaver County not guilty on six counts, including theft and conflict of interest.

At the heart of case against Ramaley, 34, who left office a year ago, were allegations that taxpayers bankrolled his campaign.

Prosecutors had alleged that Ramaley used his job as a legislative aide to then-Democratic power broker Rep. Mike Veon to run his campaign for state representative.