Prosecutors rest in Sen. Orie corruption trial
PITTSBURGH — The prosecution rested its case this morning in the Pittsburgh corruption trial of Republican state Sen. Jane Orie and her sister, Janine.
The last witness called by prosecutors today was a forensic accountant who claims allegedly illegal campaign and fundraising work done by Orie’s state staff could be worth more than $700,000.
Orie, R-4th, and her sister are accused of illegally using state-funded staff for campaign work, some of which was for a third sister, state Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin.
Orie’s attorney challenged the number, noting that the same accountant provided a much lower figure at a July hearing.
But the accountant explained the new figure is based on testimony given at trial and money he believes Orie would have had to pay a fundraiser for some work.
The defense will start presenting its case today.
