Former House Speaker John Perzel Charged with 82 Felonies

Former House Speaker John Perzel, a powerful member of the General Assembly since 1994, was charged with 82 felonies for allegedly masterminding a "sophisticated criminal strategy" to spend taxpayers' money on political campaigns. According to Attorney General Tom Corbett, Perzel used more than $10 million of taxpayers' money to purchase computer technology to help him and other House Republicans win elections.

Perzel, 59, is charged with theft, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and conflict of interest. He is accused of using "dirty tricks" such as automated phone calls against fellow House Republicans who opposed him. Perzel's alleged scheme involved using taxpayer-purchased campaign programs to collect information on voters and selling it to benefit himself and his associates.

The charges against Perzel and nine other Republicans, including former House Appropriations Chairman Brett Feese, are part of a broad 3-year-old investigation into whether Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate used state resources for political campaigns. The investigation, led by Attorney General Tom Corbett, has uncovered a concerted plan to use taxpayers' money, employees, and resources for political campaigns.

Key Takeaways:

• Perzel, afixture in state politics for three decades, is charged with 82 felonies, including theft, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and conflict of interest.
• Perzel allegedly used more than $10 million of taxpayers' money to purchase computer technology to help him and other House Republicans win elections.
• Perzel is accused of using "dirty tricks" such as automated phone calls against fellow House Republicans who opposed him.
• Perzel's alleged scheme involved using taxpayer-purchased campaign programs to collect information on voters and selling it to benefit himself and his associates.
• The charges against Perzel and nine other Republicans are part of a broader 3-year-old investigation into whether Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate used state resources for political campaigns.
• The investigation has uncovered a concerted plan to use taxpayers' money, employees, and resources for political campaigns.
• Perzel's former chief of staff, Brian Preski, is charged with 72 counts of theft, conspiracy, and conflict of interest.
• Former House Appropriations Chairman Brett Feese is charged with 62 counts of theft, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and conflict of interest.
• Perzel's brother-in-law, Samuel "Buzz" Stokes, is charged with 42 counts of theft, conspiracy, and conflict of interest.
• Perzel's nephew, Eric Ruth, is charged with 48 counts of theft, conspiracy, and conflict of interest.
• Perzel's legislative aide, John Zimmerman, is charged with two counts of hindering apprehension or prosecution and obstruction of justice.

Statistics:

• $10 million: The amount of taxpayers' money allegedly used by Perzel to purchase computer technology for political campaigns.
• 82: The number of felonies charged against Perzel.
• 9: The number of Republicans charged with crimes in connection with the alleged scheme.
• 3: The number of years the investigation into the alleged scheme has been ongoing.
• 10: The number of million dollars spent on taxpayer-purchased campaign programs.
• 62: The number of counts charged against Former House Appropriations Chairman Brett Feese.
• 72: The number of counts charged against Perzel's former chief of staff, Brian Preski.
• 42: The number of counts charged against Perzel's brother-in-law, Samuel "Buzz" Stokes.
• 48: The number of counts charged against Perzel's nephew, Eric Ruth.
• 2: The number of counts charged against Perzel's legislative aide, John Zimmerman.

Sources:

• Tribune-Review
• Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
• McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
• The Permissions Group Inc.