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Pocono News Section
County Commissioners Testify Against Ex-Judges
County Commissioners Testify Against Ex-Judges - Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 11:45PM EST
Reported by: Andy Mehalshick
Tuesday, Dec 8, 2009 @ 11:45pm EST
PLAINS TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY Ð There was strong testimony Tuesday from Luzerne County Commissioners. They say disgraced judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan controlled the county court system. The commissioners testified before a special state commission investigating the juvenile scandal.
Luzerne County Commission Chairperson Maryanne Petrilla says her relationships with judges Micheal Conahan and Mark Ciavarella started off very cordial but turned nasty very quickly.
She said her attempt to fire former County Manager and Chief Clerk Sam Guesto in early 2008 was met by threats made in a new yearÕs weekend phone call from then judge Micheal Conahan.
"The conversation was not what I'd call a friendly phone call. He said I could not replace Mr. Guesto. I said because of everything that was unfolding I felt it was important for the county to go in a new direction. His final words to me were, ÔIf you do this Maryanne you will be finished," testified Petrilla.
Guesto resigned but he was then given another job in the court system by Conahan.
Petrilla said Judge Ciavarella also tried to strong arm her and the county. ÒJudge Ciavarella came to the budget hearings. It was a tumultuous encounter with Judge Ciavarella. He was asked to cut his budget. He said he needed the money to run his courts, that I can't tell him how to run his courts. I said with all do respect judge, I can't make it happen. He said well then I'll have to sue. That's what he did." | | |
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