Controversial and now convicted Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane's long and laborious fight to keep her job could be coming to an end.
A jury in Norristown on Monday convicted the Democrat from blue-collar Scranton on nine counts of perjury, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, official oppression and false swearing. Kane has repeatedly rejected calls for her resignation, including from Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, since being charged a year ago. Wolf on Monday again called for Kane to step down.
Kane, 50, has dismissed as political the accusation that in 2014 she leaked information from a 2009 grand jury probe — and later lied about it — in a vindictive effort to humiliate former prosecutor Frank Fina. Kane believed Fina had planted a story saying she had pulled the plug on at least one undercover bribery sting of Democrats in the Statehouse, according to testimony at her trial.
Under state law, Kane must resign by her sentencing date, which the judge said would be within 90 days. Defense lawyer Gerald Shargel called the verdict a "crushing blow" and promised an appeal.
Five former aides testified against her, however. One, testifying with immunity, even admitted working with Kane to devise a cover story to deflect blame away from the attorney general.
"She did it for revenge," prosecutor Michelle Henry told the jury. "And she covered it up with lies." Cont.
Story from - USA Today
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