ABC27 WHTM DeWeese continues speaking out after jury conviction

DeWeese continues speaking out after jury conviction

Guilty is the verdict for former state House speaker Bill DeWeese, who was convicted on five of six corruption charges in Dauphin County court Monday morning.

His portrait hangs in the halls of the state House, but DeWeese may soon be hanging out in prison.

He is not officially convicted until his April 24 sentencing, which is Pennsylvania's Primary. He is still running for office, but can't serve even if he wins.

"He's a convicted felon and convicted felons once they're sentenced cannot sit in the General Assembly," prosecutor Ken Brown said. "If he wants to spit in the face of the jury's verdict, I guess that's his prerogative."

DeWeese will likely get jail time, a fine, and loss of a pension estimated at more than $100,000 a year, but he showed up in the House after the verdict was read.

Some said he should stay away.

"I do think to protect the integrity of the institution, taking the high road would be for him to resign," Rep. Gordon Denlinger, R-Lancaster, said. "Perhaps there are members who are talking about moving toward impeachment."