HARRISBURG — A former Republican staff member in Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives is guilty of a single count of conspiracy in a state government corruption case.

Al Bowman, a one-time aide to former House GOP whip Brett Feese, entered his plea today in Dauphin County court in Harrisburg as part of an agreement that will drop 47 other charges in exchange for his cooperation in the prosecution of his co-defendants.

The 36-year-old resident of Red Lion admitted that he conspired with other House Republican officials to illegally pay public funds to a Louisiana consultant, GCR & Associates, to develop computer programs for use in House election campaigns.

Feese and two former aides have pleaded innocent and are scheduled to go on trial Monday.

By The Associated Press