Pennsylvania A.G. Kathleen Kane to Resign Following Conviction

Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane announced her resignation today, less than 24 hours after a jury convicted her on nine counts, including perjury, obstruction of justice and abuse of office.

Last night, a jury found Kane guilty of illegally leaking secret grand jury information to the Daily News in an act of revenge against former prosecutor Frank Fina.

“I have been honored to serve the people of Pennsylvania and I wish them health and safety in all their days,” Kane said in a statement.

Kane’s resignation is effective at the end of the business day tomorrow. First Deputy Attorney General Bruce Castor, a Republican, is expected to address the press today at 3:30 p.m.

Gov. Tom Wolf, who called on Kane to resign last night, released the following statement:

“What has transpired with Attorney General Kane is unfortunate. Her decision to resign is the right one, and will allow the people of Pennsylvania to finally move on from this situation.

I have full faith and confidence in the employees of the Office of the Attorney General and know that they will continue to perform its most important functions including protecting consumers and prosecuting criminals. Moving forward, I will work with both Republicans and Democrats in the Senate regarding any potential appointment of an Attorney General.”

Kane’s once-promising political career as the first woman and Democrat elected Pennsylvania Attorney General is now among the most controversial cases of political corruption in modern state history.

Follow @ClaireSasko on Twitter.