When word of a federal investigation of political corruption in Allentown first broke over two years ago, it quickly became apparent that The Norris, McLauglin law firm would have a starring role in a summer drama that soon became a mini-series that has drawn nine guilty pleas. Not only are partners identified on the FBI subpoena list, but they have been involved in the Mayor Pawlowski story for the past several years. In a sign that federal prosecutors might finally be wrapping things up, a Norris McLaughlin partner is telling friends that he's going to be indicted.
This target is Scott Allinson, a self proclaimed rainmaker whose firm profile once claimed that he helps businesses "achieve their day-to-day, as well as long-term, business objectives." He has represented the Northampton County Gaming Revenue and Economic Redevelopment Authority, the Northampton County General Purpose Authority, the Northampton County Higher Education Authority, Lehigh’s Economic Advancement Project, Northampton County New Jobs Corporation, Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation, Lehigh Valley Regional Loan Pool, and Lehigh County Industrial Development Authority, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation and Northampton County Industrial Development Authority. From those vantage points, he can really help businesses meet their goals. Whether it is the Chrin TIF or some other major project, Allinson was nearly always involved.
Closely connected to political and business consultant Mike(d) Fleck, Allinson helped raise money for various Fed Ed campaigns. Thanks to Fleck, he also represented Ruckus Brewing in their Neuweiler deal.
Allinson appears to be the person identified in federal charging documents as "Donor No. 4." When Fleck told Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski that Donor #4 (believed to be Scott Allinson) had expressed concern about making political contributions, Fed Ed reportedly responded,
"Really! I've given him millions of dollars.. .. Relatively, compared to other law firms, they've given nothing. [Donor #4] for sure will get nothing now. ... You know, f--k them! And I'm not gonna [award work to Donor #4's law partner] or anything. Screw it all!"Given the use of quotation remarks, this statement from Fed Ed may very well be a transcript from a wire that Fleck was wearing.
Allinson also helped Fleck form Citizens Who Care. That was supposed to be a 501(c)3 charity "for a series oof collective measures aimed at making Lehigh County more prosperous." Fleck and possibly Allinsn misrepresented that contributions were tax deductible. Some of the money raised paid for an inauguration party for Lehigh County Exec Tom Muller. The rest went into Fleck's pocket.
Unlike the nine people who have pleaded guilty this far, Allinson has no intention of going gently into that good night. He intends to fight. He will "rage, rage against the dying of the light."
In an email entitled "challenges ahead," Allinson informed three people he considers "old friends" that "the government has decided to proceed against me. This could occur as early as next week. I am certain of my innocence to bribery or any other crime. The firm is standing by me and is fully supportive. I expect to work here after the charges are filed."
"I am in for the fight of my life and hope to have your continued support."
I believe the next and hopefully last round will be aimed at those who refused to cooperate with the government or who insist on their innocence. So I think Allinson and Fed Ed will be indicted together.
32 comments:
Bernie,
You are unbelievable.
You make the main stream media look like whimps.
Your sources are GREAT.
This could be and hopefully be bringing this entire Allentown drama to an end.
What is the magic number before Fed Ed goes down.
If Fed Ed is indicted he will swarm and rat on all.
Fed Ed is a self absorbed, evil man who only cares about himself.
I hope he falls hard and BUBBA is his new best friend at Federal prison.
Karma is a BITCH.
I do have good sources and they know I will never give them up.
Since he only told three people he should be abler to figure out who ratted him out to you. It is shameful someone would do this to him for a cheap
thrill blog. What is not surprising is Fleck and his fellow political consultants in his firm are ass deep in all of this nonsense.
And here you are at midnight on a "cheap thrill" blog. What does that say about you? Never mind, your hate speaks for itself, as does your cowardice in refusing to say who you are.
Bernie, how does he know he is getting indicted. Does the govt have to tell the target?
Ask him.
The FBI does not have to tell a person that an indictment is imminent. However, with so-called white-collar crime, they often do, knowing that they lose nothing by doing so (and giving the person the chance to schedule their first court appearance, instead of doing it in handcuffs).
I think the questions bout the Fleck consulting company are relevant. How can anyone assume that his personnel knew nothing of this activity?
Bernie, great job. You and your sources are impeccable. Neiman and Marcus/Scott Allinson have been involved in this clever and corrupt enterprise since its' inception. The key thing here is, [and I'm glad you alluded to it], is the wired conversations. Nothing better than statements from the mouth as evidence! My guess is that Allinson will not plea because if you shake his tree on other issues, a ton of stuff will fall on other projects he was involved with. Believe me, and knowing a little bit about this scheme, Allinson was walking hand in hand with Pawlowski/Fleck. The amounts of money being doled out to Nieman, Fleck and the campaign demonstrates everybody's culpability in this endeavor. The noose is getting tighter and the King will capitulate when faced with serious jail time.
9:25 Neiman Marcus? I think the biggest motivator for Allison not to plead is that he is a lawyer. He makes a big living from his law practice. That's how he lives and pays his bills. I don't think he is wealthy. The minute he pleads he will lose his license and job and his ability to make money. His partners will turn on him in a ny second....
Every week Bernie posts the real news. I now understand why Councilman Hendricks wants this investigation to end so badly
He'll become a blogger after his jail stay.
All these sensitive leaks may be hurting the investigation and case. That would be shameful.
With all the organizations that this man has touched in one way or another, there must be many more names that are going to be listed on up coming indictments too. What a tangled web we weave when first plan was hatched to deceive, upon its arrival to appointment of king!
Bernie, please keep the public informed as the edited out local news media is in on it too.
Who has taken over the Fleck political consulting business?
It is defunct.
Bernie are there more to come or do you think this investigation is wrapped up with Pawlowski and allinson?
deleted? WOW! Trump much?
I refuse to host off topic comments. Now you can start your own blog and bray away there.
Absolutely the Fleckster was part of this scheme and holds the truth on many clients in this corrupt organization. If Allinson wants to fight and protect the organization, I can imagine a RICO charge coming down the road. Pawlowski, who still denies any wrong doing, is still the ultimate head of this Racketeering, Influence, Corrupt Organization that has penetrated into Allentown City government. More than likely, his impending indictment will reflect this. I can't wait to see his spin on that!
What if Fed Ed is already working with the Feds? He'll get his indictment but maybe he's not the biggest fish anymore.
Bernie, thanks for this report and for giving us all renewed hope. Your reporting is tremendous.
Robert, I do agree that this tells me the Feds have resumed doing their job. My guess is that they will wrap this up with an indictment. But this should have been sought long ago. Their foot-dragging in this matter is why Pawlowski won the primary, and they need to move soon or they are going to allow another disaster.
BO do you think this will happen now or after the elections since the Feds dont want to interfere in the outcome of an election
Yes this blog made the federal government do there job. Egomaniac much?
I never said this blog forced the feds to do their job. I said that the email tells me the feds have resumed doing their job. You are full of hate, aren't you?
Not surprised. Allinson is a cocky guy who thought b/c he is a lawyer and deal-maker he could do whatever he wants.
Yeah baby, screw these corrupt a-holes to the wall with 2' long 3/4" lag screws.
Why did he choose to only email those 4 individuals? Is that telling somehow?
Allinson is long time friends with J.B. He is also tied in with Fainor.
I would venture to guess that the Fed's have their strategy and they are proceeding to execute it now. Whether they do or don't can be debated but I don't think that after 2 1/2 years and hours and hours of recordings that they are going away.
Guilt by association is never a good tactic.
It's ironic that the email from Allinson was sent to "integritypersonnel". If this guy is so convinced of his innocence, why does he say he is in the "fight of his life"? The way I read this, he knows he's guilty but hopes to get out of being found guilty.
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