Former Luzerne Co. Judge Michael Toole Pleads Guilty

A former northeastern Pennsylvania judge has admitted accepting use of a New Jersey beach house in return for helping an attorney win an arbitration matter.

Former Luzerne County Judge Michael Toole pleaded guilty Tuesday to corrupt receipt of reward for official action in federal court in Scranton.

Toole had previously pleaded guilty to honest services fraud, but that charge was replaced after a Supreme Court ruling in an unrelated case changed the requirements for that charge.

The former judge had also pleaded guilty to filing a false income tax return. That charge was unaffected.

U.S. District Court Judge Richard Conaboy said a preliminary review by the probation department recommended a sentence of 27 to 33 months for Toole.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 2.

Source:
Ex-Pa. Judge Pleads Guilty to Corruption Charge