7 Democrats plead guilty in Bonusgate corruption case

This just in from Peter Jackson of The Associated Press:

HARRISBURG (AP) — Seven former Democratic aides for Pennsylvania's House of Representatives have pleaded guilty to crimes uncovered by a state investigation.

All seven defendants who entered pleas Wednesday have agreed to cooperate with prosecutors seeking convictions against other House members and staffers implicated in the probe. They have yet to be sentenced.

Among the aides who admitted breaking the law were Mike Manzo, the former chief of staff to former Democratic leader Bill DeWeese, who also has been charged.

Former state Rep. Mike Veon and three former Democratic aides are scheduled to go on trial later this month.

Deputy state attorney general James Reeder called the pleas a victory for justice and for Pennsylvania taxpayers.

I'm sure as part of their plea agreements, the seven will testify against the bigger fish charged in the worst political corruption case in the state's history.