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Former State Rep. DeWeese Reports To Prison

HARRISBURG (KDKA) - Accompanied by his girlfriend, former State Rep. Bill DeWeese, of Waynesburg, reported to the Dauphin County Prison.

On Monday afternoon, he began serving his two-and-a-half years to five-year sentence on charges of using his state office for political purposes.

It was the latest chapter in the life of the 62-year-old lawmaker who once was Speaker of the state House of Representatives and was re-elected by his district despite charges against him.

The loquacious former Marine known for his flowery language was cryptic as he entered prison.

"One, I'm going to behave myself and obviously conform to the protocols of the institution.

"Two, I'm going to stay in tiptop physical condition.

"And three and finally, I'm going to make some new friends," he said. "Thank you very much."

After initial processing, DeWeese will be transferred to the Camp Hill state prison for several weeks of testing before being assigned to one of the state's prison for permanent residency.

With a final hug and kiss with his girlfriend, DeWeese left the public spotlight for the first time in 35 years.

But even behind bars, DeWeese remains the Democratic nominee for state House in his legislative district this November.

As a convicted felon, DeWeese is not likely to be able to serve again in the state House -- even if reelected this fall unless his appeal is successful.

That is not likely to be resolved until after the November election.

When sentenced, DeWeese did resign his seat, so no one is representing his district presently and no special election will be scheduled to replace him.

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