Ms. Elizabeth G. Oyer
United States Department of Justice
Office of the Pardon Attorney
145 N St., NE
Room 5E.508
Washington DC 20530
Re: Edwin Pawlowski; Case No. c292926
Dear Ms. Oyer:
I am a life-long resident of the Lehigh Valley, which includes Allentown. Since 2006, I have published a small, local blog entitled Lehigh Valley Ramblings. I focus primarily on local government. Since 2007, I have published numerous stories highly critical of former Mayor Edwin Pawlowski. Many of these focused on his callous subjugation of the best interests of the people of Allentown to his own political interests. I noted that potential city vendors would be told that Pawlowski would consider their business requests at his next fundraiser. He took advantage of his office to garner campaign contributions to promote himself politically. He also benefited personally by refusing to pay for restaurant meals and other services, calling them campaign contributions. He used the auspices of his office to build what his wife called a "mancave" without getting the required permits. His corruption prosecution was entirely necessary to establish the principle that no one is above the law. In his trial, he actually admitted to lying to federal agents. His ultimate conviction went a long way to restoring public confidence in our judicial system, at least on a local level. But the 180-mont sentence imposed, while within the sentencing guidelines, was unduly severe. There is significant disparity between the sentence imposed on Pawlowski, compared to other sentenced bribery Defendants. He apparently has an underlying health condition to be considered. Moreover, there are other equitable factors in his favor. Though I believe that I was his harshest critic, I urge you to consider a reduction in the 15 year sentence.
According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, the average sentence for a bribery conviction varied from 26 months in FY 2017 to 23 months in FY 2021. The 15-year sentence imposed here is nearly 8 times more than usually imposed. It is three times the 60-month sanction imposed on Mike Fleck, who was Pawlowski's campaign manager and chief co-conspirator. Fleck has already been released and was spotted at a summer music festival where alcohol flows freely. Fleck never testified in Pawlowski's trial, most likely because prosecutors correctly concluded he is unworthy of belief. Thus, the extent of Fleck's cooperation was minimal.
In a related public corruption case, Reading Mayor Vaughn Spencer was sentenced to 8 years after insisting on a jury trial. His case, like that of Pawlowski, involved the illegal solicitation of campaign contributions. That kind of sentence would be more appropriate here.
Pawlowski suffers several underlying health conditions: hypertensive heart disease; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); dyspnea (shortness of breath); sleep apnea; and has only one lung as a result of a pulmonectomy. Prison undoubtedly exacerbates these misfortunes. Moreover, the public is forced to pay for his treatment. It makes more sense for him to pay for his own medical expenses through gainful employment.
Though convicted of offenses involving deceit, Pawlowski has a strong commitment to communities of faith and has participated in numerous church-led efforts to help people in need.
Pawlowski was convicted in Pennsylvania, a state founded by William Penn. The motto on Penn's seal "mercy and justice" is applicable here. Justice has been done. It's time for mercy.
34 comments:
Not a fan of FedEd, however, your observationa seem to make sense. It troubles me other public who have wronged our Country in a much greater way, are viewed much differently. The common denominator in both cases is the campaign manager who served far less time time.
No way let the crook rot!!!! your an idiot for suggesting this......but you to are acriminal!!!
Although I find this post very disappointing, my impulse is to say "no comment".
However, in all conscience, I must nevertheless strongly object to you injecting "faith based" considerations into your plea.
As a comforter to the previous displaced merchants and property owners during the Pawlowski administration, some of whom you knew, I know they were given no "mercy".
I remember how the Mayor's office bullied and tore down those small business owners along mainstreet, many of them people of color or women, just to allow them to be acquired for a hockey arena.
How many lives did he destroy with that action?
The 15 years is severe but i argue the amount of broken trust between the public and the government and warrants such a lengthy sentence. Yes it is an outlier, but Pawloski's crimes were an outlier also.
And the tax payer will always be on the hook for him, there is no way a man in his condition will be able to be gainfully employed in a manner where we are not picking up his tab.
There are times for mercy Mr. Ohare and there are times for justice and this is a time for justice.
Justice hasn't been done until he serves his sentence. That's how this works. Every full day he serves reinforces a criminal justice system that's supposed to insure nobody is above our laws. He could have received more years for his crimes. He received mercy, instead. Now, let's finish up that justice part. It's incomplete.
Let McClueless and Bow-Tie take his place!
MM, I feel a lengthy sentence is appropriate, but 15 years is far too much time for what he did. Even the average sentence for bank robbery (111 months) is less than the 180 months given to Fed Ed. You can object all you want to his service to faith-based communities, but it is an equitable factor that can and should be considered in deciding on a sentence commutation. It may have very well have been hypocrisy or sincere, but it is undeniable.
Fuck him and fuck you for even thinking about an early release! Criminals need to pay the price and poor health conditions don't qualify for early release. ps, tRump should be a live hanging event when convicted!
@5:06 am
First of all it is spelled ‘you’re’ an idiot as in ‘you are’……not your. Also, you ‘too’ are a criminal not you to.
Perhaps you have more important things to worry about instead of name calling?
Where are you going with this?
He should have received more years for his hateful and hate-filled ethnic cleansing of minority merchants whose dreams stood in the way of Ed's luxury box concert or sporting event tickets. Think about that. He wanted good seats and unlimited buffet. So he ruined their lives. 15 years isn't close to enough. He's already been shown more mercy than anyone deserves. He should finally be honorable by shutting his mouth and doing his time. instead, he's continuing to act like Fed Ed Pawlowski. Disgusting and disgraceful.
Politicians are always getting away with stuff keep him in jail.
All he has to do to get out is an honest apology and admission he was wrong. That's the reason he got the sentence he did - completely unrepentant.
So have an honest apology from the former Mayor and his wife, who I think was the bigger problem here, and he's free to go.
I suppose that living in Nazareth, it's easy for you to call for a pardon or early release for Pawlowski. You should have had to live in the city during his reign of corruption, or at least live there now under a City Hall that is still staffed with many of his flunkies.
In a comment you note that his sentence exceeds the sentencing for bank robbery. I would remind you of the following facts:
His corruption was not an isolated incident, nor was it limited to the specific and numerous counts he was convicted of.
He never admitted to any wrongdoing or apologized to the people of Allentown for his scrimes. I'm certain this pathetic narcissist continues to believe he did nothing wrong or somehow justifies his actions.
None of the health problems you cite stopped him from running for city, state and federal office, sometimes simultaneously, despite the obvious physical demands a campaign (or multiple campaigns) would have. It's not surprising that his health has only become an issue as he and his allies attempt to gain his release.
The reality is that his sentence was far too short for the number of counts he was convicted of and to restore the public confidence in city government.
He destroyed countless reputations and livelihoods of those who wouldn't join in his corrupt schemes. Long-time, honest, city employees were forced from jobs that they had worked in for decades so they could be replaced by his cronies.
I have no desire to see Pawlowski released, since he would surely attempt to return to Allentown. He built a criminal enterprise in Allentown government, did nothing to dismantle it, and it still exists to this day. If released, he will surely re-integrate himself into his network of cohorts and look to somehow leach off city taxpayers again by running for office, seeking employment from the city, or otherwise enriching himself through a government-funded non-profit organization.
Allowing him to walk out of prison early would be a grave miscarriage of justice that would harm the City of Allentown at least as deeply as his original actions.
I hope he rots in hell, but if not there, his prison cell is my second choice.
He is in prison now because of his actions, not because of his sentence was excessive. Instead of trying to get out early, he should be grateful his sentence isn't longer.
Pawlowski's only crime was trusting Mike Fleck and inviting him into his inner circle. Fleck was the mastermind, though I understand the oxymoron inherit to this opinion. I always felt that the community was ripped off; not by Pawlowski's "crimes" but by not hearing Mike Fleck's testimony. The secret recordings Fleck made for the FBI seemed to exonerate Pawlowski.
I agree. Let him out already.
I'm a flawed person who has been shown mercy, and always looks to show it to others. But I didn't realize he hasn't apologized or taken full responsibility for his dozens of crimes. That makes any plea for mercy a non-starter. If this information is incorrect, I think he's had enough and should released.
I am not going to debate the fact of whether the amount of time is deserved or not when I see so many injustices carried out in our judicial system, but I do wonder if his running for higher offices may have stepped on some toes which then spurred the investigation into his corruption and receiving a long sentence. What I saw as obvious corruption for years in Allentown didn't seem to bother any government agencies until he tried to move up the ladder.
So far as I know, Fed Ed has never apologized for his crimes. I believe he has deluded himself into thinking that even his admitted lies to the FBI are noncriminal. So yes, he has failed to show any remorse.
To clear some things up, I do not propose immediate release, but a reduction of his sentence from 15 years to about 8-10 years. Under federal law, he would serve nearly 13 years before being eligible for early release. A 10 year sentence would make him eligible after serving about 8 years. As a convicted felon, he'd be banned from public office. It's actually possible he could help people if given a chance, and without being a public charge.
To those of you who lack any compassion, I haver to wonder where you were in 2007 when MM and I began to expose this guy. At that time, and up until he was indicted, most of you were on his bandwagon and trashing everyone who dared tell the truth. I except MM from this criticism for a few reasons: he identifies himself; he was critical all along; and he was victimized by Fed Ed. He has every right to be angry.
I'm really conflicted on this one, I agree with some of MM's comments and Anonymous 11:41 makes several excellent points that I agree with. Where were these heath ailments when Fed Ed was getting free home renovations without permits? Perhaps if Pawlowski was truly into faith based anything he'd never have wound up in this position. Maybe his faith based initiatives were all a bunch of political BS instead of sincere religious attitudes by Pawlowski. I cannot get past that he refused to admit any guilt and never apologized. I always thought that if he came out from the start, admitted guilt and apologized sincerely, that he might have had a sentence of a couple years.
That said, I always thought his sentence was a bit harsh and if his conduct inside the prison warranted it, I could reluctantly support an early release (as long as he stays out of City politics!).
Ehhhh, still not sure about a pardon. Public officials should be open and honest. It sure seems to take Feds a long time to prosecute. Parole for good behavior, sure. A pardon? Unless I am missing something with my lack of lawyer knowledge, I thought only the President can pardon which relieves all legal consequences. I still think you, Bernie, are going somewhere with this post. What the heck I am missing?
Carl, You are correct. Only the President has the power to grant a pardon or "reprieve" (commutation) of a sentence. The DOJ has administrative review of these applications. Its recommendations are advisory only. The ultimate decision to pardon or commute comes from the President.
A request for executive clemency goes thru the Pardon Attorney.I am not asking for a pardon, but a reduction of sentence.
Mrs.P brings the boys to the yard !
Bernie, you have made the media man perpetrated as a English professor reappear from years past with this one?
Fed Ed is released -you and Eddie can celebrate at Yocco’s for some weiners.
How many of Ed’s victims have come forward to second your request that he be the benificiary of a reduction of sentence?
How many of Ed’s victims have come forward to second your request that he receive a reduction in sentence?
Your compassion and sense of mercy are commendable. Your letter is admirable and noteworthy particularly during this CHRISTian season,t
"How many of Ed’s victims have come forward to second your request that he receive a reduction in sentence?"
The citizens of Allentown and Pennsylvania were the chief victims of Fed Ed's crimes. I have not polled them, but he managed to win a Mayoral race while under indictment. I am by no means suggesting a pardon or immediate release, but a reduction from the 15 yr sentence.
Didn't Mike Soloman do something similar in Northampton County? I think, not sure, he was employed by Northampton County at the time and funneled illegal donations to the democratic party. How much time did he serve? Kind of a double standard.
What Mike Solomon did was starkly different. He actually benefited personally from steering county contracts. Fed Ed's personal benefit was minimal. Solomon got just 2 1/2 yrs. Fed Ed got 15.
Bernie he deserves what he got and find your comments troubling. What's next for you to campaign for MezzaCrazy for the Mother Theresa award? Get help something's wrong with you. Your losing it.
I think this is great, can we also send letters to ask for this sentence to be reduced?
Keep him locked up !! , he was not good for allentown or it's work force , he forced many employees to give up their livelihood !
Bernie, thanks for the reply. I have learned a bit more from your legal knowledge. I still think our Feds move too slow with justice as we have now seen in Peru and Germany with those attempted coups.
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