The state Supreme Court dumped Luzerne County Judge Michael T. Toole from the public payroll a day after he pleaded guilty to corruption charges.The high court issued a one-sentence order, terminating Judge Toole's $161,850 annual salary and health benefits.
Judge Toole, 49, had been on a paid suspension from judicial duties since the charges and his plea agreement were announced Dec. 2.
Under his plea agreement, he must resign from the bench within 10 days of the guilty plea. Judge Toole had yet to offer a letter of resignation as of the close of business Wednesday, according to the governor's press office.
Judge Toole's attorney, Frank Nocito, declined to comment on the ruling.
Judge Toole is the third county judge charged this year in a wide-ranging federal corruption probe that has led to charges against 23 people.
He faces a maximum penalty of 23 years in prison and a $350,000 fine on charges of fraud and filing a false tax return, but is more likely to receive 37 to 46 months under federal sentencing guidelines and his plea agreement.
A sentencing hearing is March 30.
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Supreme Court Ends Judge's Salary, Benefits
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Fmr. Luzerne Co. Judge Accepts Punishment
I would hope no more salary for him!
ReplyDeleteAnd what about his pension? They rarely touch a judge's pension!
ReplyDeleteGood going - now he's well on his way to the pen.
ReplyDeleteGlad this case finally broke, even though the JCB withheld the information from law enforcement.
ReplyDeleteI would wish on the three real criminals (wearing black robes) that their sleep is tormented by visions of the children they sent to prison, wrongfully.