Prosecutors seek long prison term for Veon

HARRISBURG — State prosecutors are urging a judge to sentence former state House Democratic whip Mike Veon to additional prison time for his second corruption conviction.

In a sentencing memorandum filed Friday in Dauphin County Court, the Attorney General's Office urged that the former Beaver County lawmaker be given a sentence that exceeds guidelines. That could add more than six years to the six- to 14-year term he is serving for a related corruption conviction.

Veon, 55, was convicted in March of 10 counts of conspiracy and theft on charges that he misused taxpayer grants directed to his nonprofit, the Beaver Initiative for Growth (BIG). He is scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday.

During the trial, prosecutors argued that Veon used his nonprofit as a cover to divert taxpayer-funded grants to fulfill his personal and political agenda. Defense attorneys had countered that the Attorney General's Office had failed to prove the case.

The prosecutors' memo says Veon has refused to accept responsibility for his actions. It describes him as remorseless and defiant.

Veon's lawyer did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Inquirer staff writer Angela Couloumbis contributed to this article.