Pocono News Section

Luzerne County Courthouse Corruption Probe Expands

Luzerne County Courthouse Corruption Probe Expands - Monday, March 2, 2009 at 5:37PM EST

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- The federal probe into corruption at the Luzerne County courthouse is widening. The I-Team has learned that federal investigators are expanding their investigation.
Sources close to the case tell the I-Team that "target letters" have been sent to several lawyers in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties. Those letters reportedly say they will be questioned about information they may have about corruption within the Luzerne County legal system.

The I-Team has also learned that at least one district justice from Luzerne County has been questioned by federal agents.

All of this comes in the aftermath of the arrest of four high ranking Luzerne County officials. Suspended Judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan pled guilty to taking millions in kickbacks in connection with a juvenile detention center in Pittston Township.

Also busted was former Court Administrator William Sharkey, Sr. He admits to stealing $70,000 in seized gambling money. And Sandy Brulo, a Probation Supervisor, is accused of tampering with public records.

The U. S. Attorney's Office will not comment on our information.

And coming up this Thursday at 5:30 it’s an I-Team exclusive, a special report called "You Be the Judge."

We will talk with 6 of the remaining Luzerne County judges for the first time since this investigation broke. You will hear how they feel about the case and what they say has to be done to regain the public trust.