Pocono News Section

Audit Shows More Questionable Courthouse Spending

Audit Shows More Questionable Courthouse Spending - Friday, August 28, 2009 at 10:05PM EST

Reported by: Andy Mehalshick
Friday, Aug 28, 2009 @ 10:05pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- Federal investigators are checking into questionable spending by the Luzerne County court system.

A state draft audit raises concerns about overcharging and other expenses. At the time, the courts were under the control of disgraced judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan.

The draft audit focuses on court expenditures between 2003 and 2009. It centers on state and federal money given to the state for cases involving juveniles. Those cases involve parental rights and dependency.

State auditors found improper spending and questionable reimbursements. The spending was done when the court was under the control of former judges Mark Ciavarella and Micheal Conahan.

The county commissioners requested the audit after hearing rumors of inappropriate sending. Commissioner Steve Urban believes the findings point to possible corruption.

"I think these are more things that might be connected to two former judges Ciavarella and Conahan in the audit. We haven't had our brief yet with people who did the audit. That will be in the next week or two,Ó said Urban.

The draft audit does question what appears to be two salaries paid to one county employee. It has now been given to the U. S. Attorney's office.

"Should a full-time county employee who is receiving $72,000 also have a contract with another county agency for another $36,000, I think it was a conflict. He has one job he should be doing one job not multiple jobs in the county," added Urban.

Judge Chester Muroski, who took over leadership of the court system, told Eyewitness News he has already met with court officials and will have more meetings next week to find out who knew what and when.