Jury selection to start today in legislative trial

HARRISBURG - The trial of a former Pennsylvania House power broker and three ex-aides is about to get started with the selection of a jury in Harrisburg, but the first testimony is still two weeks away.

The judge presiding over the criminal trial of former Rep. Mike Veon (D., Beaver) and the other defendants is also expected to rule today about the use of e-mail evidence that prosecutors consider key to their case.

The Dauphin County trial of Veon, Brett Cott, Stephen Keefer, and Annamarie Perretta-Rosepink could take as long as a month. The defendants are accused of conspiring to divert resources of the legislature toward campaigning. The so-called Bonusgate investigation is continuing.

Seven other defendants arrested a year and a half ago have pleaded guilty to related charges. The eighth, former State Rep. Sean Ramaley (D., Beaver), was acquitted of all charges last month. - AP