Former PA House Speaker John Perzel has steadfastly maintained his innocence throughout the Bonusgate investigation despite being branded by the Attorney General's office as the architect of a scheme that bilked taxpayers out of more than $10 million. Facing more than 80 charges, many of them felony counts, Perzel seems poised to enter a plea which would be a complete about face. As recently as a few weeks ago, Perzel boasted that he's confident he will be acqitted on all counts when the facts come to light. Less than 2 weeks ago, Perzel told the Philadelphia Daily News that he's not considering a plea deal, despite the fact that 3 of his co-defendents had already accepted pleas.
He appears to have changed his tune, as it's widely reported that Perzel will plead guilty to public corruption charges tomorrow. This guy is alleged to have been the mastermind so it's not surprising that he's going to plead in light of other defendents cooperating with prosecutors. It's one thing to insist you're innocent of allegations but trying to convince a jury after a bunch of folks working under you have already admitted guilt is quite the uphill battle. Let's just hope the AG's office hasn't offered a deal that allows Perzel to continue bilking taxpayers via a pension.
Taxpayers may get some justice yet but it can only come with a stiff prison sentence and full restitution, including damages. After all $10 M would have collected a lot of interest over the past 5+ years. At least Perzel is saving us the expense of a trial so for that I say, thanks for finally doing something right for your state just this once.
He appears to have changed his tune, as it's widely reported that Perzel will plead guilty to public corruption charges tomorrow. This guy is alleged to have been the mastermind so it's not surprising that he's going to plead in light of other defendents cooperating with prosecutors. It's one thing to insist you're innocent of allegations but trying to convince a jury after a bunch of folks working under you have already admitted guilt is quite the uphill battle. Let's just hope the AG's office hasn't offered a deal that allows Perzel to continue bilking taxpayers via a pension.
Taxpayers may get some justice yet but it can only come with a stiff prison sentence and full restitution, including damages. After all $10 M would have collected a lot of interest over the past 5+ years. At least Perzel is saving us the expense of a trial so for that I say, thanks for finally doing something right for your state just this once.
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