Stetler

Trial began with opening statements Monday morning for former state Rep. Steve Stetler, one of more than two dozen officials arrested during the state attorney general's Bonusgate investigation.

Stetler, 62, of York, is accused of misusing public funds and state employees for legislative campaigns.

He maintains his innocence, according to defense attorney Joshua Lock.

A jury of seven men and five women, plus three alternates, were seated on June 6 and 7.

Stetler represented York City and its surrounding area from 1991 to 2006 before stepping down to head the Pennsylvania Economy League.

He was appointed to head the state Department of Revenue in November 2008 but resigned from that post in December 2009, just hours before criminal charges against him were announced.

The charges: Stetler is facing four charges related to theft and one count each of criminal conspiracy and conflict of interest.

Prosecutors allege he misused public funds and state employees for legislative campaigns while he was chairman of the House Democratic Campaign Committee from 2002 to 2006.

Two of Stetler's former aides previously testified they built up comp time by working extra hours, then used that time for campaign work and were paid for it with taxpayer money.

Bonusgate: A total of 25 people with ties to the state House Democratic and Republican caucuses were arrested in the state's "Bonusgate" investigation, now in its sixth year, according to The Associated Press.

Twelve Democrats and nine Republicans were convicted or have pleaded guilty as a result of the probe. Two defendants (both Democrats) were acquitted, and charges against a Republican defendant were dropped.

- Liz Evans Scolforo can also be reached at levans@yorkdispatch.com.