Massive PA. Turnpike Corruption Prosecution Ends: No one goes to jail or pays restitution

[JPZenger]

http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-pa-turnpike-pay-to-play-scandal-20141120-story.html

The massive bribery and political scandal investigation of the PA. Turnpike Commission has ended with a string of convictions. However, no one will spend a day in jail and they are not even being required to pay restitution. Corruption can be very profitable. A few of the convicts are being required to do some community service - fewer hours than I do as a regular volunteer.

Excerpt:

"Former Pennsylvania Turnpike CEO Joseph Brimmeier and former COO George Hatalowich will both serve a term of 60 months of probation, complete 250 hours of community service, and pay a $2,500 fine. The commonwealth is not requesting restitution. Today's plea deals with the last two defendants mean the case, which was unveiled last year with great fanfare, is essentially over, with many of the charges having been dropped and none of the defendants having gone to jail.

Last year, prosecutors charged a number of former turnpike officials, and a contractor and former state senator, with being involved in what they alleged was a wide ranging bid-rigging scheme. ... two defendants were allowed to enter a diversion program that will allow all charges to be dropped after a two-year period, and last month the final criminal charge against former state Sen. Bob Mellow was dropped.

Earlier this month, former Turnpike Commissioner Mitchell Rubin pleaded guilty to one count of commercial bribery, agreeing to serve 24 months of probation, complete 100 hours of community service and pay a $2,500 fine. Prosecutors withdrew nine other counts against him."

http://newslanc.com/2014/11/21/capitolwire-pa-turnpike-pay-to-play-case-ends-with-no-trial/

Don't blame me, I voted for Patrick Murphy for Attorney General.

[JPZenger]

1. Experts Question Resolution of Turnpike Corruption Case - Post-Gazette article

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2014/11/22/Experts-question-results-in-turnpike-corruption-case/stories/201411210215