The first time was in a wire recording of the infamous breakfast meeting at Billy's Diner that ended with Fed Ed giving Fleck a pat-down. They were talking about getting rid of evidence that could implicate them. Fed Ed said he would spend the weekend going through his email. According to Morning Call reporter Emily Opilo,
At the end of the breakfast, Dougherty says he's hearing rumors that Fleck is being investigated by the FBI. Fleck speculates that it's Bernie O'Hare. Dougherty says I asked him about it.
According to Agent 98, Fleck downplayed the possibility. "Bernie's been saying that for eight years," said Fleck.
Actually, at that time, I had been trying unsuccessfully to reach Fleck because I had heard the FBI had been at both his home and office.
The second reference to me was later, when FBI Special Agent Scott Curtis was on the stand and asked to explain who the hell I am. I believe that Curtis answered that I like to write about local political corruption. I do.
High school basketball, too.
I have been writing about Fed Ed's corruption since 2007, so Fleck was actually right.
And so was I.
He’s corrupt.
When you delete emails and instruct others to do so, it's insulting to pretend innocence.
When you delete emails and instruct others to do so, it's insulting to pretend innocence.
Agreed Bernie! Also, why is everybody else lying except "Boss Hogg". What a defense.
ReplyDeleteAs a trial attendee, I noticed the jury is very attentive when the prosecution is presenting, but when the blowhard McMahon speaks in cross examination, the jury loses all interest.
Will the prosecution cross examine the character witnesses?
ReplyDeleteYou made the big time Bernie, congrats!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, thanks again for all your hard work. You've done the valley a great service being the pain in the ass you are.
The Banker
It's interesting you mention the rumors that preceded the raid because the Democrats in Harrisburg quietly terminates their contract with Fleck in the week just before the raid. Also in the week before Jack Rpsen of CIIBER suddenly stopped communicating with Pawlowski's staff regarding the contract he had already been awarded and which just required his signature. Your reporting really had an earthshatterimg effect!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's pretty amazing that these BIG TIME officials are worried about a "bottom feeding blogger."
ReplyDeleteGreat work BO. Thanks for bringing us the truth of whats going on in government.
Your effect on local politics cannot be denied. The power of the pen (or, in this case, the iPhone and/or laptop and free wifi) is truly mightier than the sword. Your dedication to this story and so many other stories has had a profound impact far beyond the readership of this blog. I only wish your compensation matched your efforts.
ReplyDeleteBernie; Great to hear your name come up the trial, LVR has been instrumental in getting great information out the public, especially in Allentown where the traditional media had for too long allowed Fed Ed a free pass on scrutiny during a lot of shady stuff in his early years. As an Allentown resident, I thank you for those efforts.
ReplyDeleteOff subject just a bit (but I know you are a local hoops fan), I had to mention my great opportunity to be at the Muhlenberg game last night to see Parkland grad Nick Rindock score his 1,000th point as Mule. Inexplicably, the Morning Call doesn't even have the box score never mind a story (they managed to print the ladies box score). East Penn Conference alumni Jean Lee Baez (CCHS), Nigel Long (Liberty) and Alex Mitton (Parkland) also played for the Mules last night. It was a great game too as the Mules knocked off Swarthmore, the #2 team in the Centennial Conference in OT and Rindock has a career night eclipsing 30 points.
I saw that on Twitter and Facebook. It must have been a great moment for Nick Rindock. If you know someone with the video, send it to me. As you might have seen, Groller is in Minneapolis for the Superbowl. Otherwise, he would have been there bc he really loves basketball.
ReplyDeleteMonkey Momma, I appreciate your insights very much. You and Dr. VanWirt convinced me I was wrong a few weeks ago about #metoo.
ReplyDeleteMy regret about Fed Ed is that i missed two weeks of the trial, but that changes next week.
"Will the prosecution cross examine the character witnesses?"
ReplyDeleteThey will have that opportunity, but may or may not cross-examine.
Thanks. Most seem to have benefited in some financial way. The real vitims are the taxpayers that may have overpaid for services and the firms who expended corporate capital and thier employees who weakened their job security by pursuing contracts that were "already baked".
ReplyDeleteBernie are you going to be called to the stand?
ReplyDeleteThe Other major victims in this mess were candidates trying to run for office on the Democratic side. Who wanted to stay away from this mess and had their fundraising and help chocked off by Fleck and Pawlowski
ReplyDeleteMore than a few largely forgotten people have had their lives or livelyhoods damaged by the Ed and his band of thugs.
ReplyDeleteYOU BELONG RIGHT NEXT TO HIM IN PRISON O HARE...............................
ReplyDelete@ 1:49pm
ReplyDeleteWhy??? For doing a good job reporting???
“Anon 1:49 “you belong right........” Well who are you to judge him? His blog ,this blog allows YOU to see issues you would never know about in local government. I print my name because for example because i’m Not affected by numbskuls that are critical of me . I’m secure. You sir ,or madam , would know nothing about what goes on here outherwise to this day.
ReplyDeleteMr O'Hare's blog is the first place to look for Lehigh Valley political news !
ReplyDeleteAnyone know how to "shake down" some Eagles tickets? Anyone?
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting for mine to arrive in the mail.
ReplyDelete