Pocono News Section

Judge Lokuta On Stand: Day II

Judge Lokuta On Stand: Day II - Friday, December 14, 2007 at 5:47PM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Friday, Dec 14, 2007 @05:47pm EST

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.- No tears today, just direct answers by embattled Judge Ann Lokuta to questions about her work environment, colleagues and swirling accusations some in the courthouse had it in for her.

WBRE News has been closely following the developments in this, the second week of testimony from Philadelphia. Judge Lokuta told the court the misconduct complaint is born out of conspiracy. She says standing up to two president judges made the name "Ann Lokuta" unpopular. Add to that a change in her political party affiliation, and the Judge alleges there was even more trouble.

Judge Lokuta would not elaborate on a claim "more happened to me" since she switched party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. Luzerne County is largely Democrat-based.

That's one of a list of charges Lokuta launched against the political structure and judicial powers of Luzerne County.

Lokuta's attorney, Louis Sinatra, refused to comment on specifics mentioned by Lokuta in testimony.

But inside the courtroom, Judge Lokuta testified she refused to be influenced by former president judge Michael Conahan and another former president judge, Patrick Toole. She told the court she has been the one and only female on the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas bench.

The only other woman who's sought a spot, testified against Lokuta in this proceeding.

We asked the Judicial Conduct Review Board attorney if the testimony has changed anything for them. Francis Puskas said it had not. He said he wants reporters to ask that question after his cross-examination of Judge Lokuta.

Despite what witnesses have said about the two-term jurist, Lokuta told the court she demanded complete preparation from those in her courtroom and did so respectfully.

Attorney Sinatra said he leaves Philadelphia tired, but confident.

The trial will resume January 14 in Philadelphia.

Stay with PaHomepage and WBRE News for continuing reports on the Lokuta proceedings.