Statement on Michael Manzo's testimony

WAYNESBURG, October 9, 2008 -  Michael Manzo, former Chief of Staff to House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese, apologized to his boss last year for letting him down in the wake of allegations Manzo diverted state money for campaign purposes.

Manzo made the statements when Bill DeWeese terminated him, DeWeese said on Wednesday. “Mike let me down, and he knew it,” DeWeese said in a campaign response to the allegations.

DeWeese released his comments after Manzo, upon cross-examination in a preliminary hearing for two people charged with using state workers and equipment for campaigns, said he “believed” that his boss knew about the bonuses awarded to campaign workers.

No supporting evidence was provided.

“Mike is a person in pain,” DeWeese said. “His statement on Wednesday contradicts  statements he made last year not only to myself and individuals within the Caucus, but also to investigators and prosecutors.”

Manzo has agreed to plead guilty to nearly all charges, according to published reports. Manzo and his wife, Rachel, are among 12 people charged with diverting state resources for electioneering purposes.

On Wednesday, DeWeese reiterated that when he received evidence of the misconduct last year, he made wide-sweeping changes in the operations of the House Democratic Caucus. DeWeese fired seven people including Manzo, replaced his management team, instituted a comprehensive compliance program, enhanced internal controls, and implemented dozens of reforms to promote more ethical behavior in the House Democratic Caucus.