Pocono News Section

Lackawanna County Commissioner Meets with FBI

Lackawanna County Commissioner Meets with FBI - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 6:00PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Wednesday, Jan 20, 2010 @ 06:00pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- There are new details in the ongoing federal corruption probe. Lackawanna County Commissioner A. J. Munchak answered questions from the FBI on Wednesday.

Munchak seemed almost surprised to see the media waiting for him as he left the federal courthouse. Behind closed doors for a total of three hours Wednesday he answered questions from FBI agents.

Munchak said very little to the media. His attorney, Chris Powell, wouldn't go into specifics about the questions.

“Any rumors of resigning are out of the question. Any rumors about deals or guilty pleas are out of the question," he said.

Powell only said the questions involved vendors and cash. One thing he did rule out, anything to do with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Airport.

He also ruled out the possibility Munchak went before a grand jury. “There's no grand jury today. There's no grand jury appearance for AJ. He did not appear to the grand jury today and we simply are cooperating with the FBI," said Powell.

Seeing a sitting commissioner leave the federal courthouse left many taxpayers with a bad taste in their mouths. Harold Cameron of Scranton said, “It doesn't sit well with me but the leadership of our country, whether it be state or federal, is indicative of the morals of the people who elect them."

“It’s bully tactics here in the county. You don't obide by the their rules, they'll throw you in jail, simple as that,” said Jimmy Jones.

Munchak's attorney would not say if his client is the target of the FBI or just someone with possible information.

When asked if it’s the first meeting they’ve had with the FBI, Powell responded, “There's been others involving other people."

Powell also said he doesn’t expect any more meetings with the FBI in the future.

However at one point when talking to the media Commissioner Munchak's attorney said so far his client is helping, but said directly "that may change at some point."