Prosecutors Hope To Keep Pa. Sen. LeAnna Washington Case in Montco
By Brad Segall
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- State prosecutors say they will oppose a motion filed by defense attorneys for embattled Pennsylvania state senator LeAnna Washington asking the court to move the case out of Montgomery County.
The defense wants the case moved to Philadelphia's Court of Common Pleas, claiming that all of the action in the case is in the city.
The motion points out that Washington's campaign committee is based in Philadelphia, as are staffers, former staffers, and vendors expected to be called as witnesses at trial.
Washington is facing felony charges of public corruption, accused of using her state senate office staffers to plan political campaign fundraisers.
Senior deputy Pennsylvania attorney general Susan DiGiacomo has 15 days to file a response to the motion, but says her office will oppose it.
After the response has been filed, a Montgomery County judge says, he will schedule a hearing on the case.
Washington was not present in court for a pretrial conference. Her attorney told the judge she instructed the lawmaker not to appear, but the reason why wasn't made clear.