Ex-state Rep. DeWeese returns to state prison

Former Pennsylvania House speaker Bill DeWeese is back behind the bars of a state prison after nearly four days of court-ordered freedom.

A Camp Hill State Prison spokeswoman said DeWeese turned himself in this afternoon, following a judge’s decision that he should not be out on bail while he pursues appeals.

He was four days into a 2 1/2- to 5-year sentence on Friday when the state Superior Court freed him because the county trial judge hadn’t ruled on his motion for bail pending appeal.

After Dauphin County Judge Todd Hoover ruled against DeWeese today, he returned to the prison. His lawyers are asking the state Superior Court to reverse Hoover.

DeWeese is convicted of five felonies for using his state-paid staff and public resources for campaign purposes.