Pre-Trial Hearing Continues For Sen. Orie

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Testimony continued in a pre-trial hearing for State Sen. Jane Orie Tuesday.

One of the issues the judge still has to consider is whether an out of county jury should hear Orie's case.

Former Allegheny County Executive and current Republican Committee Chairman, Jim Roddey, testified as a defense witness.

He testified that although Orie represents a portion of Allegheny County, it is in fact only a portion.

The prosecution wants an out of county jury claiming there have been negative comments about Stephen Zappala and his family.

"It's really not important for this venue to be changed. They can certainly find enough jurors just in the city of Pittsburgh, which is not part of her district or in the South Hills or in the Mon Valley, where a lot of people probably haven't even heard of her. I think it's foolish to even consider that," Roddey said.

Some court observers said that former State Rep. Mike Veon was tried in another county.

The judge will hear oral arguments and rule on many of the motions on Wednesday.