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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Monday, February 06, 2012

Grand Jury: Bethlehem Township Defrauded of $832,460

Northampton County District Attorney has just revealed a Grand Jury presentment against Robert J. Kearns and Patrick J. Mclaine, who allegedly defrauded Bethlehem Township of $832,460 in a scheme under which the Township was misled into believing it was purchasing its own street lights.

From the Sranton area, Kearns and McLaine will be surrendering to District Judge Barner on charges of theft, misapplication of entrusted property and conspiracy.

I will have a detailed report later. Until then, you can read the Grand Jury Presentment.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Bernie -

Were they selling bridges too?

Anonymous said...

Are the Twp officials that stupid?

Anonymous said...

Yes

polotical parasites said...

This is a regular practice in the lehighvalley. There is paperwork that will only incriminate the LLC that has perpatrated this act against the Bethlehem, when the fact of the matter is that the officials are also actors in the criminal plot against there employers. Like the rabbit writes on the moronic gags topic/wfmz LLC=LOL Esq. Because big brother is watching always watching

Anonymous said...

Bethlehem Township borrowed the money for this project through its financial advisor, Concord Financial.

This same Concord Financial recommended the Twp do this, so they essentially lead the horse ('s ass) and most likely made a profit on the taxpayers loss...

Hold them liable and fire at the same time!

Anonymous said...

Who was the township solicitor ?

Bernie O'Hare said...

Tom Elliott. I'll have a detailed story tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

Wow... amazing how so much $$$ can simply go missing. Do a search on this MEM and seems like these guys are professional con men. Scranton, Wilkes Barre, Hazelton, Tamaqua all were duped.

Anonymous said...

Write a check for nearly a million dollars and hope for the best? Idiots! Why not a performance schedule with draws?

Why is no one the township hierarchy being held responsible? FIRE THEM!

I know the answer, it's only the taxpayers' money.

GS

Anonymous said...

Bernie, really how can no one from the township be held accountable for this? The township manager had to back it to get the supervisors to approve it? Where is that manager?
and what manager gives out that kind of money on a hope & whim??? My family works, lives and pays taxes in the township......

Anonymous said...

Maybe it's the reason why Jon Hammer the former Twp Manager left?

He is one of a few that need to be held accountable and not get away with a simple slap on the wrist...

Bernie O'Hare said...

This question was raised during yesterday's news conference. My own belief is that a good con man will almost always get away with cheating an honest person. DA Morganelli gently reminded everyone, "Bethlehem Township is the victim here."

They were strung along for two years, asked numerous questions during that time and eventually did act.

If their performance disappoints you, there is a remedy. The ballot box.