• Font Size    

Most Popular Videos Featured On KDKA.com

Architect Wants To Save Mellon Arena
E-mail

Close Window E-mail This Page

Ex-Lawmaker Accuses AG Of Political Prosecution

Required fields are marked with an asterisk(*)

The information you provide will be used only to send the requested e-mail and will not be used to send any other e-mail communications. Read more in our Privacy Policy

Send E-mail

   Print     Share +   
Nov 5, 2009 8:15 pm US/Eastern

Ex-Lawmaker Accuses AG Of Political Prosecution

Reporting
Jon Delano
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― Former PA Rep. Frank LaGrotta says he's innocent even though he pled guilty to two conflict of interest ethics charges.

But he reserves his strongest language for Attorney General Tom Corbett, whom he accuses of engaging in prosecutions for political purposes.

Speaking out publicly for the first time, LaGrotta minces no words about the man who charged him -- Tom Corbett.

"I was the first stepping stone in his march to the governor's mansion," LaGrotta told KDKA Political Editor Jon Delano.

LaGrotta says Corbett charged him for one reason alone.

Delano: "You were charged because Tom Corbett has political ambitions?"

"Yes. I do believe that. I do believe that," LaGrotta insists. "If this was a legitimate investigation and he is a candidate for governor, I think he should recuse himself. I think he should resign as attorney general, and give the investigation and all control of the investigation to someone who has no political aspirations."

LaGrotta says Corbett engages in political shows, handcuffing politicians in front of the cameras.

"I think it was political show to handcuff Mike Veon and Mike Manzo. I mean, these were people who were not dangerous, that didn't need to be handcuffed and frog-walked."

As part of his plea deal, LaGrotta says he talked to prosecutors about Bonusgate and he believes that the top House Democrat, Bill DeWeese, was in on the plan to pay House staffers for political work.

Delano: "Do you think Bill DeWeese knew what was happening?"

LaGrotta: "Yes."

Delano: "In the Democratic caucus?"

LaGrotta: "Absolutely."

Delano: "He knew what Mike Veon was alleged to have been doing?"

LaGrotta: "He knew bonuses were being paid for political -- I believe that."

And he says DeWeese's chief of staff Mike Manzo told him bluntly.

" 'Frankie, Billy knew everything,' " LaGrotta said.

In a phone call with Jon Delano, DeWeese said he "categorically denies" knowledge of the campaign bonus scheme and says LaGrotta is "exceedingly bitter" because DeWeese cooperated in the AG's investigation.

As for Corbett, his spokesman called LaGrotta's charges "absurd and laughable."

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

Featured Slideshows On KDKA.com

You need the latest Flash player to view video content.
Click here to download.

Click here to bypass this detection if you already have the latest Flash Player.

Politics

Top News Stories

© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.