"This was a clear and dramatic violation of the public trust and a flagrant, glaring abuse of power," said Lewis, noting that the bonuses were not a one-time occurrence but were "systematic" and increased tenfold in three years, to $1.4 million in 2006.
Veon, 53 - dressed in his signature pinstripe suit, French cuffs, and cowboy boots - stood stoically as Lewis read the sentence on 14 counts of theft, conflict of interest, and conspiracy.
Veon's wife, Stefanie, wept at the sentence. His 27-year-old son, Ryan, called out, "I love you, Dad," after Veon was denied bail and was led away in handcuffs by sheriff's deputies. He was taken to the state prison at Camp Hill.
Earlier in court, Annamarie Perretta-Rosepink, who had managed Veon's district office in Beaver Falls, was sentenced to three to six months in prison.
Prosecutors had sought a 12-to-17-year sentence for Veon but said they were satisfied with the judge's decision.
Veon's attorney, Dan Raynak, said that he was disappointed, but that he "understands and respects the sentence."
Raynak, who filed an emergency motion in Superior Court to allow Veon to be released on bail, said he would appeal. Raynak and Veon's supporters say Corbett, who won the Republican nomination for governor in May, has used Bonusgate as "stepping-stone" to run for higher office and made Veon a scapegoat.
Before the sentencing, Veon's friends and family members emerged from a van carrying signs that said "Tom Corbett for Governor" with a slash through it.
As Veon was en route to processing at the state prison at Camp Hill, news reached the courthouse that the FBI was raiding the home and district office of Senate Minority Leader Robert J. Mellow (D., Lackawanna).
In the courtroom, filled with dozens of supporters - including former aides and legislators - Veon apologized for his "mistakes."
