Pocono News Section

Lokuta Trial Continues

Lokuta Trial Continues - Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 10:10PM EST

Tuesday, Sep 25, 2007 @10:10pm EST
HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN COUNTY- The trial for a Luzerne County Judge accused of misconduct continues in Harrisburg.

Opening statements and testimony began Monday in the trial of Judge Ann Lokuta. She faces charges of inappropriate conduct, including being late to court and even ordering a county worker to scrub the floors in her home.

Lokuta's lawyers call the charges unusual. A Court Reporter and Former President Judge Michael Conahan took the stand on Tuesday. A backlog of witnesses waited just outside the courtroom.

There's a potential of 90 witnesses between both sides. Attorney Louis Sinatra believes irrefutable documentary evidence will flip the tables and show his client is actually the victim.

A 3-member panel of the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline is hearing evidence. Testimony is expected to last through the week.

If she's found guilty, Lokuta's possible penalties range from being reprimanded to being removed from the bench.