Nazareth Boro Council Member Gets No Special Treatment in Traffic Court

An angry Nazareth Borough Council member, Charles Donello, pleaded guilty yesterday to a no-point violation for failing to heed a stop sign in May, which resulted in him T-boning another driver. He complained loudly that the Nazareth Police Officer who dared cite him and who could have insisted on a points violation, had waited five days to charge him. Well, Donello could have argued that at trial if he wanted. Magisterial District Judge John Capobianco and Officer Eric Schwab were both very respectful to Donello. They let him go on at length. But the more he complained, the more petty he looked.

I covered this matter because of rumors that Donello had tried to strong-arm Schwab.

"Don't you know who I am?" Donello reportedly asked several times.

I know.

An asshole.

After the plea, Donello flew out of the courtroom and returned later, still looking pretty angry.

When I asked Officer Schwab to confirm whether Donello had really been throwing his weight around, he smiled but declined comment. So I'll never know for sure.

On Monday, charges were filed against a juvenile probation officer who used his official position for his own personal benefit. Donello did not go as far as that, even if the rumors I heard are true. Still, his behavior in the courtroom convinced me that he thinks he's very special.

And he is. Just as special as everyone else.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the accident.