HARRISBURG, Pa.—A former Democratic state representative on trial for corruption denied that he directed his staff to do political work on state time.

Former Rep. Stephen Stetler testified for three hours in his own defense on the fourth day of his trial in Dauphin County Court on Thursday.

Some prosecution witnesses testified earlier that they routinely did campaign work on state time using taxpayer resources and e-mails that included Stetler's name. But four former staff members testifying for the defense Thursday said the former York County lawmaker made it clear that campaign activities were to be kept separate from legislative work.

The 62-year-old Stetler, a one-time chairman of the House Democratic Committee, has pleaded not guilty to four counts of theft and one count each of conspiracy and conflict of interest.

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Information from: The Patriot-News, http://www.pennlive.com/patriotnews