The Democrat and former state House speaker couldn't serve after the sentencing for his conviction on five felony charges.
View full sizePennsylvania state Rep. Bill DeWeese, D-Greene, the former House speaker, will be sentenced today in his corruption case.A spokesman for House Speaker Sam Smith says Smith received the letter Monday and that DeWeese's resignation takes effect at noon today, less than two hours before he is scheduled to be sentenced on corruption charges. Legislative offices were closed today for the primary election.
DeWeese, a former longtime House Democratic leader and former House speaker, was convicted in February on five felony counts for the illegal use of state resources for political campaigns.
The state constitution bars felons from serving in the Legislature, but that ban is triggered only after sentencing. State prosecutors have urged a long prison term for the Greene County lawmaker.