HARRISBURG — A prominent Republican state representative, his former chief of staff and others are offered the opportunity to testify next week before a grand jury investigating whether state resources and workers were used on campaigns or for other improper purposes, a newspaper reported Wednesday.
Citing two unnamed lawyers involved in the case, The Philadelphia Inquirer said Rep. John M. Perzel of Philadelphia, his former Chief of Staff Brian Preski and others connected to the House Republican Caucus are invited to appear Monday before the investigative grand jury.
The newspaper said letters sent to Perzel, Preski and others by the attorney general's office describe such testimony as voluntary and that they don't include an offer of immunity.
A former speaker of the House, Perzel has been deeply involved in his caucus' campaign efforts. He was voted out as speaker in 2007 after Democrats gained majority status in the chamber.
Preski practices law in Philadelphia.
Perzel's lawyer, Walter Cohen, said he won't comment on matters related to the grand jury because of secrecy. Perzel, Preski and Preski's lawyer, William Winning, did not respond to phone messages.
Jack Krill, a Harrisburg lawyer who helped coordinate the House Republicans' legal response to Attorney General Tom Corbett's investigation, declined to comment. Corbett spokesman Kevin Harley would not comment on the report nor confirm whether the grand jury would meet next week.
The letters suggest that additional charges might be coming in the investigation, which began in January 2007 with the disclosure that millions in bonuses were handed out quietly to Legislature employees.
Corbett's office last year filed charges against 12 people connected with the House Democratic Caucus. They are accused of theft; conflict of interest; and conspiracy in diverting government personnel and resources.
Some of those defendants have struck plea deals with prosecutors. The trial of the others is scheduled for early next year, before the May 18 primary in which Corbett, of Shaler, is seeking the Republican gubernatorial nomination.
Corbett has said more charges are likely forthcoming.
George Parry, a lawyer who represents witnesses in the investigation, told The Inquirer that the letters were not good news for the recipients.
"It's a sign that this (state) investigation is coming to an end, and it's a sign that you are a person they are looking at very hard in terms of bringing charges," Parry said.
