4th week of Veon trial ends with judge's warning

HARRISBURG - More legal fireworks accompanied the end of the fourth week of testimony in Pennsylvania's legislative-corruption trial.

Dauphin County Court Judge Richard Lewis cautioned defense attorney Dan Raynak not to "push it" at the end of the day yesterday after Raynak complained about a prosecutor's reaction to a witness' testimony.

At issue is whether prosecutors in the theft, conspiracy and conflict-of-interest trial of former State Rep. Mike Veon (D., Beaver) will be able to delve into the prior conviction of another former legislator for using his staff to campaign. If Lewis allows jurors to hear details of the case of former Rep. Jeff Habay (R., Allegheny), it could help prosecutors argue that it demonstrated to lawmakers and their staff the legal hazards of using public resources for political campaigns. Three former aides are on trial with Veon. - AP