Pocono News Section

Supreme Court Terminates Toole's Salary, Benefits

Supreme Court Terminates Toole's Salary, Benefits - Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 7:45PM EST

Reported by: Eyewitness News
Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 @ 07:45pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- Pennsylvania's Supreme Court has terminated the salary and benefits of Luzerne County Judge Michael Toole.

Tuesday Toole pleaded guilty to defrauding the public of honest service in office and tax evasion charges.

Toole admitted to using a Jersey shore beach house owned by a lawyer free of charge. Later, he ruled in favor of that lawyer in his courtroom. Judge Toole also admitted taking $30,000 from another lawyer, but didn't report the income to the I. R.S.

The Supreme Court continues to review the most serious charge against him. They're looking into if the honest services charge against Toole is constitutional.