Bill DeWeese appeals conviction in PA corruption scandal

File photo witf/Scott Detrow

(Harrisburg) --  Former state Representative Bill DeWeese is appealing his corruption conviction.

The longtime House Democratic leader from Greene County has filed the appeal in Superior Court.

DeWeese is serving a two-and-a-half to five-year term at Retreat State Prison in northeastern Pennsylvania for his felony convictions for the illegal use of public employees and resources for political purposes.

In his appeal, DeWeese argues that the trial judge erred by limiting the number of defense witnesses who testified and refusing to allow his lawyer to fully cross-examine a prosecution witness.

He also says the judge erred in refusing to instruct the jury that campaign work done during a legislative day is not illegal if done on leave time.