Witness Describes Arranging Pa. Lawmaker's Fundraiser Using State Resources
By Brad Segall
ABINGTON, Pa. (CBS) -- Pennsylvania state senator LeAnna Washington has been ordered held for trial on charges that she misused her Senate offices to raise money for her campaign.
The state's only witness during Washington's preliminary hearing today was Jamila Hall, a former paid intern who later was promoted to legislative assistant.
She told the court that, at Washington's direction, she was told to make arrangements for a birthday party/fundraiser for the senator on state time, using state resources such computers and postage machines (see related story).
"Those charges were filed in a timely manner, ten months after we were referred the case by the Montgomery County district attorney's office," says Carolyn Myers, assistant press secretary for the state attorney general's office.
Myers says she believes that officials have a solid case against Washington, who is charged with conflict of interest and theft of services.
The defense tried repeatedly to pick apart Hall's testimony, asking her if she took her orders from Washington or a former chief of staff. Hall was granted immunity by the state for her testimony.
Washington represents parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County.