Kathleen Kane arraigned, released on $10000 unsecured bail

Kane surrendered to authorities in Norristown, Pennsylvania, from where she made the video appearance before the judge in Collegeville, about 8 miles northwest.

On Thursday, after months of investigation, Ferman announced charges were being filed against Kane for allegedly releasing grand jury information to get back at someone she felt released information to embarrass her. She was also charged with subsequently lying to the investigating grand jury in an effort to cover up the leak. “At no time did she believe that she was asking or directing anyone to do anything improper or unlawful”.

Attorneys for Kane have maintained their client’s innocence.

Attorney James Swetz said Kane has room to defend herself, “despite the public hysteria”.

Pennsylvania’s top prosecutor has taken on the new role of criminal defendant.

Such moves are intended to ensure the integrity of the police department or government office, he said.

Like any other elected official, attorneys general are faced with the perils of power, including sharp oversight on matters of corruption in office.

On Saturday, another attorney for Kane, Ross Kramer, said in an email that she had “absolutely no plans to resign”.

Rieders agreed, saying that she’s innocent until found guilty. Nevertheless, she is now being pressurized by her political rivals, party colleagues, and fellow prosecutors to step down her position.

“We’re looking forward to fighting the charges”, defense lawyer Rost Kramer said in Norristown after the arraignment. They make the ultimate determination on whether to bring charges in major cases, and also direct prosecutions.

Kane was called before another grand jury to explain whether she had authorized the leak.

Montgomery County Prosecutor Risa Vetri Ferman praised the current and former members of Kane’s staff who shared information.

She reportedly told the grand jury that she didn’t read the Daily News story until August 2014.

Grand jurors didn’t agree and in December recommended she be prosecuted.

Former Supreme Court Justice Ronald Castille, who authorized the grand jury probe that led to the charges and who retired in December, said Friday that Kane should step down.

Ferman announced earlier this year she would not seek re-election to the district attorney’s office, where she has worked since 2003.

He doesn’t buy the argument that the case is politically motivated.

And calls for Kane’s resignation have bipartisan, he noted. But the image of the top law enforcement officials in major US states facing criminal charges also underscores how basic human foibles, including greed and thirst for revenge, can stymie even those charged with upholding the law, and making examples of brazen lawbreakers.

“It would probably be more appropriate if someone else is handling the office, and she focuses on the accusations against her”, he said.

More serious charges, like corruption or bribery, might compel a stronger argument that she resign. “I handle whats going on in Montgomery County over here, and I go to work over here”. His statement follows the announcement that Kane has been charged with perjury, obstruction and abuse of office. Kane has denied any wrongdoing.