Hearing Set For Pa. Lawmaker's Request to Change Trial Locale
By Brad Segall
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- A Montgomery County judge has scheduled a hearing for next week for embattled Pennsylvania state senator LeAnna Washington, who wants her political corruption case moved to Common Pleas Court in Philadelphia.
Judge Steven O'Neill scheduled oral arguments for a week from Thursday on a change-of-venue motion filed by Washington's lawyers. They argue that most if not all of the action in the case occurred in the city and for that reason a Philadelphia jury should decide the lawmaker's fate.
The judge also indicated that the case, if it stays in Montgomery County, could go to trial in October or early November.
Washington, 68, is facing felony political corruption charges, accused of using her state senate staffers to plan fundraisers for her political campaign.
Senior deputy state attorney general Susan DiGiacomo says prosecutors are prepared to go to trial and will vigorously fight the motion to move the case.
Washington had no comment after her appearance in court for the pre-trial conference.
