HARRISBURG — A preliminary hearing is under way for a high-ranking Pennsylvania lawmaker facing corruption charges.

State Rep. Bill DeWeese is before a district judge this morning in Linglestown to face charges related to a wide-ranging public corruption probe.

DeWeese is charged with theft, conspiracy and conflict of interest. He resigned his post as Democratic whip after he was charged in December but remains in the House.

Prosecutors say the one-time House speaker used his taxpayer-funded staff for campaign purposes.

Former state Rep. Mike Veon was convicted of similar charges earlier this year. Former House Speaker John Perzel and nine co-defendants with ties to the state House GOP caucus face similar allegations.