Pocono News Section

Former Police Chief On The Other Side Of The Law

Former Police Chief On The Other Side Of The Law - Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at 6:35PM EST

Reported by: Jill Konopka
Wednesday, Jan 9, 2008 @06:35pm EST
(WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY) – There won’t be any jail time for the former Chief of Police in Avoca. Edward Locowich was charged criminally last June and today was sentenced to probation on several misdemeanors. Former Avoca Police Chief Ed Lukowich now has the opportunity to again serve and protect the public. He resigned last summer after being arrested. Reporter Jill Konopka asks, “Do you plan on being a police officer after you complete the ARD program?” On Wednesday Lukowich was sentenced to serve six months probation through the county's A.R.D program for first time offenders. Attorney Peter Moses said, "I’m thrilled with the outcome today and so is Mr. Lukowich and his wife. It gives him an opportunity to start over, put the matters behind him and begin to live his life again. This is best resolution for all those involved Back in June, Lukowich was charged with criminal conspiracy, official oppression and more. State Police say they found discrepancies in his department's evidence and arrest logs and they say Lukowvich filed false drug charges to set up former Avoca cop, current county Sheriff Mike Savokinas. Asst. District Attorney Shannon Crake spoke to WBRE News, "In order to be A.R.D., he had to admit committing charges so he has to admit he committed the crimes to be on A.R.D." Sheriff Savokinas says the outcome sets the record straight. Lukowich Attorney Peter Moses says if his client completes probation and 25 hours of community service he's done. Still, it's unclear if Eddie Lukowich will return to the police force. ` Attorneys say Lukowich avoids a few years in jail by applying and being accepted into this probation program. Shannon Crake added, "They were misdemeanors, on probation anyways, require jumps through big loops and closer to supervision that way." Avoca Police Sergeant Jerry Kudajeski was also initially charged in the same investigation, charges against him were dropped when he agreed to cooperate with authorities. Kudajeski is currently back on the force as a police sergeant. Lukowich’s Attorney says he's currently working in the delivery business in Lackawanna County. Avoca Solicitor Charles McCormick says if Lukowich wanted to return to the force, there would be several issues he'd have to resolve before council could vote on it.