Fed Ed, Allinson, Granted Extensions For Post-Trial Motions

Judge Juan R. Sánchez has given former Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski and Scott Allinson, a former partner at Norris, McLaughlin and Marcus, a little extra time for post trial motions after both were recently found guilty of political corruption. They have until April 6 to file.

Philadelphia Attorney Jack McMahon said in his motion that he'll be on vacation and out of the country until April 7. but he himself asked for a new filing date of April 6, so an attorney in his firm will likely handle this for him.

There was no opposition to these extension requests.

In the meantime, Fed Ed has started a snowball fight on his Facebook page.

Dueling Petitions

Thursday's verdict against Allentown Mayor (for now) Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski has sparked two diametrically opposed petitions.

The first of these, started by Phillip Cameron two days ago, calls on Donald Trump to pardon Fed Ed because he "did what was needed to be done, in order to run the criminals out of Allentown, and bring in much needed growth and investment."

As of midnight, it has attracted 139 signatures.

The second, started by Dean Smith the following day, argues it's "time to send a message to ALL politicians, that they are held to the same standards as every other citizen of the United States of America!"

As of midnight, there are 476 signers.

Fed Ed's Syrian Connection

Allentown has a large Syrian community, and many of them supported the re-election of Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski. Joe Elias, who is actually Lebanese and has two popular markets in Allentown and Bethlehem, was a Fed Ed supporter. Elias told The Morning Call that what the Mayor did is commonplace there, and wouldn't raise an eyebrow.. 

Well, Joe, maybe that's why you're here. It was also commonplace for one Lebanese schoolgirl I know -she's now a grandmother - to see a head rolling down the street on her way to class.

That's why she's here. 

Americans - and Joe is one of us - tend to be leery of strongarm rulers who gas their own people. And we don't like corrupt politicians who sell their office. .

Call us picky. 

Joe, you are a great American and I enjoy your markets, but not your attempt to minimize bribery.   

Fed Ed Needs to Resign ... Now

Yesterday was a bad day for Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski and his wife. He was convicted on 47 of 54 counts of betraying the public trust. He prostituted his office and city in an attempt to advance his political career. His callous disregard for Allentown and its people is evidenced by his refusal to step down when he was charged, despite the dark clouds hovering over the Queen City. "What cloud?" he asked at a debate. Morale among city workers was in the tank. Business is stalled despite a Neighborhood Improvement Zone that now includes numerous beautiful buildings anchored by a hockey arena. Thanks to a guilty verdict that tells everyone that government should never be for sale, Allentown has a fighting chance again. But Pawlowski needs to resign. Now. If he has even the slightest decency left, he'll do that. After that result, the keys of city government need to go to City Council until a new Mayor can be appointed. If he refuses to step down or tries to string this along, he should know by now that a petition to revoke his bail will be filed. It is simply irresponsible to allow a man who has been found guilty of abusing his office to remain there.

Who Really Brought Fed Ed Down?

Chicago is just 728 miles from Allentown

When I received word yesterday that Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski had been found guilty of 47 of 54 counts of political corruption, I was on my way to the District XI chip between Bangor and Allentown Central Catholic. More about that later. During breaks in the game, I tried to piece together what was happening. This is one time when I was among the last to learn what had happened.

Several of you chimed in and credited me for calling "this one from the start, despite your usual small set of detractors using their tired allegations that you had a bee in your bonnet that didn't belong there. Congratulations on your successful endeavor." Being the vain person that I am, I'll take accolades whenever I can get them. But alas, I need to correctly tell the truth, much as it pains me.

It's true that I first began exposing Fed Ed in 2007, when minority business owners were targeted along Hamilton Street. But I was the second blogger to do so. The first is Allentown blogger Michael Molovinsky. He deserves the credit for first exposing Pawlowski, and opening my eyes. After that, I'd say both of us exposed him pretty well. I believe my reports were more factual and detail-oriented, while Molovinsky's succinct and dour style was better suited to what I'd call verbal slam dunks. Eventually, Chris Casey joined the chorus, adding some humor.

For a few years, all three of us were both pretty much excoriated for our efforts.

At this time, although they won't like me saying it, The Morning Call was just one of Fed Ed's tools. Columnist Bill White sometimes questioned Pawlowski about some of my claims, and White does have a soft spot for underdogs. But he's a columnist, not a reporter. City editors were Fed Ed cheerleaders and were very reluctant to allow reporters to write anything that could be construed as critical. I think they believed wrongly that any criticism of the Mayor would be considered criticism of the city.

Around this time, Molovinsky hosted an "Allentown Speak Out!" forum at an old church. It was there that I learned how Fed Ed just ignored minority business owners. He was dancing with wealthy Republicans in those days, not the poor. I remember a single mother targeted by building inspectors and forced to pay for improvements she was unable to afford. I met and wrote about an elderly woman who was bullied for conducting occasional yard sales so she could have pin money.

But in those days, the public mostly sided with the bully.

Public perception finally began to change when Jarrett Renshaw was hired to cover the City as a Morning Call reporter. He did exceptional investigative work concerning Fed Ed's campaign finances that put my own blogs to shame. Matt Assad and Scott Kraus had some informative stories as well. But Renshaw left to work for another newspaper, covering a Governor.

I had heard stories that Fed Ed would tell potential vendors to discuss their concerns with him at this next fundraiser. I also heard that some contractors were being shaken down, and this was before Mike Fleck arrived. Unfortunately, these vendors were unwilling to go on record.

Molovinsky wrote several stories about Fed Ed using code inspectors as his kind of Gestapo. A City employee also confirmed to me that Pawlowski would use code inspectors to target political enemies.

By this time, Fed Ed ignored any request I had for information. His City spokesperson, who uses a fake name, is hardly one for transparency.

Things eventually began going south for Fed Ed. He alienated some of his original supporters with plans for a trash to energy business. This was done to attract campaign donations from Marcel Groen. Fed Ed alienated many others when he leased the city's water and sewer.

They began asking tough questions, and members of City Council began speaking forcefully against him. These include the late Michael Donovan, who unfortunately passed away before his time. They also include Allentown's very own Iron Lady, Jeanette Eichenwald.

Then The Morning Call brought Emily Opilo to cover the City. I was initially suspicious of her. I have seen too many reporters who have learned to keep their heads down in an industry that no longer values true reporting. These "content providers" have been conditioned to write about shallow things like the "Five Things I Like About Friday" or where to get the best ham sandwich. But her coverage was nothing short of excellent, even before news of the investigation broke. The paper also hired Peter Hall, a seasoned court reporter.

By the time news of the investigation broke, Fed Ed had lost most of his original supporters, City Council had wised up and Pawlowski was forced to go to the very minorities he had disparaged in 2007.

Federal authorities, especially FBI Special Agent Scott Curtis, obviously deserve the gratitude of the citizens of Allentown. AUSA Michelle Morgan should be commended for reminding the people of Allentown that there is no King. We should be thankful for a jury that did its job and a judge who cared enough about democracy to make sure the trial took place in Allentown.

But the person who deserves the most credit for bringing Fed Ed down is Fed Ed himself. He was so arrogant in his belief that he was invulnerable that he though he could lie with impunity to the FBI for three hours straight. He also thought he could fool a jury the way he fooled voters in four elections and get away with "not correctly telling the truth."

Lisa Pawlowski Wants Guesses on When Jury Will Reach Verdict

On Tuesday night, Allentown First Lady Lisa Pawlowski, as she likes to be called, groused on Facebook that she "hated" the closing argument made by the US Attorney, but that the one given by defense attorney Jack McMahon "was really good." She goes on to say that following the rebuttal of the US Attorney ("I'm sure I will hate that too"), the judge would instruct the jury on "applicable laws, and how to apply them to see if each count against [my husband] met the standard of breaking that law BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT." So far, so good. Then she says this: "Just for fun and bragging rights let's see who can guess which day and closest hour that the jury will deliver its verdict. Not the verdict, just the day and hour."

Let me get this straight. Her husband faces hundreds of years behind bars. He frickin' admitted that he lied to the FBI, and faces seven counts for that alone. And she reduces this to a game with bragging rights? I have accused her and her husband of hubris, and this certainly is yet another indication that they consider themselves above the law.

A tad delusional, too. Despite the contention of AUSA Michelle Morgan that he's no King, I think he and his wife look at it differently.

When her Facebook message was sent to me, there were already quite a few comments. Jessica Lee Ortiz, who failed in a bid for City Council, predicts "not guilty on all counts, in Jesus' name."

Did Fed Ed Assault Allentown City Council Woman?

Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski is not only on trial for political corruption, but is currently on the stand, undergoing cross-examination. I've told you his fatal flaw is his hubris, his belief that he can do whatever he wants with impunity. That attitude has been unhelpful to him on the stand. And amazingly, during a time when he should be on his best behavior, he bullied Allentown City Councilperson Cynthia Mota.

On Tuesday night, Allentown City Council voted to delay the nominations of Tom Muller and Dan McCarthy to managing Director and Solicitor, respectively. These are two excellent choices, so I could understand some frustration at the delay.

Fed Ed confronted Council member Cynthia Mota and began screaming at her. He also may have slapped her arm, accidentally or intentionally, while he was yelling.

Mota has declined to a request that she tell me what happened. Several people who witnessed the incident are unwilling to go on record, which is what enables bullies like Fed Ed.

Council President Roger MacLean, the City's former police chief, confirms that there "was some sort of confrontation." From what he's determined, Fed Ed's hand went in a downward motion as he spoke to Mota and it struck her arm. This could have been an accident or an assault.

"According to my information his hand did make contact with her arm along with a raised voice," MacLean told me. "No matter what this behavior is completely unacceptable by the mayor."

This incident fails to appear in the report of the stringer who covered this meeting. That might be because he worked for Fed Ed's campaign.

Fed Ed Had No Idea He Was Surrounded by Criminals

I took a powder and attended Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski's political corruption trial in Allentown yesterday. The first time I was there, I had to amputate a few frost Ed bitten toes at the end of the day. Yesterday, I suffered heat stroke. The courtroom was also a lot more crowded than the first time I was there. I had to settle for the last seat left. We were packed in like sardines because defense lawyer Jack McMahon has rolled the dice and called Fed Ed himself to the stand. Supporters and friends of his wife were sprinkled throughout the room. She was in the front row, sitting next to her mother. Joyce Marin, the City's former DCED Director, also sat with Fed Ed's wife. Local attorneys dropped by to see defense lawyer Jack McMahon perform, and he lived up to his billing. Some of Fed Ed's critics and victims were also in the audience. I expect that McMahon will continue his direct examination all day Thursday, which will give his client a three-day breather before cross-examination. After that, it's closing arguments, jury instructions and verdict. I expect to see Fed Ed convicted on a substantial number of counts. Though the case against Allinson is weaker, he is a lawyer and nobody likes lawyers. Also, he's been splashed by some of the mud coming up from the case against Fed Ed.

The Morning Call's Peter Hall and Emily Opilo have provided excellent play-by-play on pay-to-play. Peter is quite familiar with the court system while Opilo understands the inner workings of Allentown, so they have provided superior coverage.

Judge Juan R. Sánchez continues to run a very tight ship, and has been sparring quite a bit with McMahon. At one point, while McMahon was slightly confused about a defense exhibit he wanted to introduce, he noticed a juror drinking water and asked, "Anyone else need water? Now's a good time." Then he turned to McMahon and joked, "Not you."

McMahon has been masterful. I do think he turns jurors off when he plays the same tapes over and over and then goes through them, sentence by sentence. But his defense is one of obfuscation. He is attracting attention away frommore damning evidence by focusig in statements that fFd Ed made when he began to suspect he was being recorded.

The United States is represented by Anthony Wzorek and Michelle Morgan. Wzorek sporadically objected to McMahon's more absurd questions, but the prosecutors kept a mostly low profile. And why not? The more that Fed Ed speaks, the more ammo they will have when it's their turn.

Fed Ed's defense is that he he had no idea the city was being sold under his nose. He flatly denied that he had directed his finance Director Garret Strathearn, to rig the bids for a delinquent property tax contract. Though he traveled to New York with Ranmzi Haddad and shook him down for money repeatedly, he had no idea that Ramzi expected something in return. He was shocked when Ramzi showed him a text message claiming that the purchase of the Banko building had been lined up. He insisted that he played no role in fixing a bid for LED lights throughout the city.

So he had no idea that Fleck, Ruchlewicz, Francis Dougherty and Garrett Strathearn were fleecing city taxpayers.

His tone on the stand was friendly and conversational. It's the same way he often acted in his four mayoral campaigns. As he grew more relaxed in his testimony, he began volunteering information. At one point, he finished a sentence with "blah, blah, blah, blah."

When Wzoek objected, Fed Ed began to laugh at him. And that is his fatal flaw - hubris. He will stop being friendly and conversational once the hard questions start coming. And that's when the jury will see the real Fed Ed. Today he could ride around the walls of the federal courthouse. But his blissfully unaware that a Trojan arrowisheaded his way.

He thinks he's doing great. I think he's digging a hole.

Fed Ed Just Convicted Himself

Those of you following the Fed Ed trial know that the U.S. Attorney has rested, and without calling Mike Fleck. I consider that a mistake, but it might be harmless error. FBI agents today played their taped interview with Fed Ed, in which he told numerous very obvious lies. His fatal flaw? Hubris. This Chicago transplant underestimated the FBI and guaranteed his own conviction. You can read Emily Opilo's tweets to see the hole he's dug for himself. If he does testify in his own defense, as his attorney promised, he's going to be torn apart with his taped display of arrogance. There's even a possibility that the feds will call Fleck in rebuttal.

This case is over.

Fed Ed - "I'm Actually Terrified"

I played hooky yesterday afternoon to watch the political corruption trial against Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski and Scott Allinson, a former partner at the Norris McLaughlin Marcus law firm. Morning Call coverage has been excellent, but I had to see things for myself. Most of my readers know that I consider Fed Ed completely corrupt. I have felt that way long before this investigation started. But if I had to decide this case based solely on what I saw in court yesterday, I'd vote to acquit. The reason is Sam Ruchlewicz. Fortunately for those of us seeking justice, there's much more to this case than him.

Let me tell you a little about what I saw. I arrived during the lunch break. I noticed that the prosecution side was empty, but there were several defense lawyers on the Fed Ed and Allinson side of the courtroom, looking through files. That's a rough indication to me that the defense thinks it's in trouble.

When he entered the courtroom, Allinson made no eye contact with anyone. He originally sat with his back turned to everyone. Fed Ed also failed to look people in the eye. He did at one point speak to his wife and mother-in-law, but that was it. He mostly sat at the defense table, occasionally pouring himself a glass of water. He made no attempt to instruct his defense lawyer, who never once asked him anything.

Judge Juan Sánchez, a diminutive and smiling man who was born in Puerto Rico and has a slight accent, is presiding. Though he's a former legal aid lawyer as well as a public defender, he has the reputation of being perhaps the most pro-prosecution judge among those in the Eastern District. Throughout the afternoon, he sustained nearly ever objection made by prosecutors, and quietly admonished criminal defense lawyer Jack McMahon a few times.

He runs a tight courtroom. When he called for a five minute recess, he was back in four. He also made a point of looking at his watch as he waited for a straggler.

Though all rise for Judge Sánchez, he and the rest of us remain standing for the jury as they enter the room. They are the ultimate deciders in this case. They were equipped with several monitors so they could view evidence as it is being presented. Though I've been told that they've lost interest during some of McMahon's previous cross-examinations, they listened closely to his extensive cross-examination of Ruchlewicz.

McMahon himself was at the top of his game. I've seen him try cases in Northampton County, and in two of these cases, he was ineffective. But he was a masterful showman in the courtroom yesterday. He was prepared yet theatrical. At one point, while making points in his cross, he stood behind Fed Ed with his hands on his shoulder, humanizing him. When admonished by the court, he'd be very apologetic and then continue to do what he's been doing all along.

Ruchlewicz himself is a terrible person. He's self-absorbed and I am sure he impressed few jurors when he mentioned being "abroad" during his testimony. During breaks in testimony, he was sequestered from everyone by the FBI.

What really did him in for me is a recording (and yes, sometimes there is video) of a meeting that he and Matt McTish had with Fed Ed at the Hamilton. When he saw Fed Ed make his way into the restaurant, he repeatedly disparaged him to McTish. As Pawlowski stopped to talk to people, Ruchleicz called him a "motormouth." He added that Pawlowski was "like a toddler in an ice cream shop." When Ruchlewicz spied former Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan talking to Fed Ed, he said, "Who doesn't like Johnny Casino?"

Fed Ed made his pitch to McTish - he was running for the Senate and needed McTish's help - and then left. McMahon's point was that there was no solicitation by Pawlowski to commit bribery. But Fed Ed's departure was very likely purposeful.

While Ruchlewicz was like the male equivalent of a Mean Girls cast member, Mike Fleck appeared to be a complete goof who was unable to stop laughing in conversations about the acquisition of Eagles tickets for a playoff game. Fed Ed got some from the Pennoni engineering firm as well as another city vendor. Ruchlewicz was tasked with getting a bunch of them from different sources that included the delinquent tax collector.

Shortly before the shit hit the fan, Fed Ed got wise to Ruchlewicz. What frosted him was that Ruchlewicz had sent a text message to Ramzi Haddad, assuring him that Allentown would buy or lease one of Haddad's properties for the City's Public Works. What bothered Fed Ed was not so much that the promise had been made, but that he had done so in writing.

"If Sam keeps this up, we're gonna' be in jail," Fed Ed tells Fleck.

"If any of this ever comes out in writing, we're fucked," agrees Mike Fleck.

"I'm actually terrified," said Fed Ed.

This Blog Discussed in Fed Ed's Corruption Trial

Though I have yet to set foot inside the federal courthouse where Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski is being tried for political corruption, I have secret agents everywhere. One of them sat in on yesterday's trial, and reported to me that my name came up ... twice.

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,

Emily Opilo‏Verified account @emilyopilo

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.

3:13 PM - 31 Jan 2018

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.

Fed Ed Must Be Serious About Going to Trial

The second full week of Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski is now in full swing. I have yet to attend a single session, and was chastised for my absence by an anonymous reader. So let me explain why I've been so silent about something that matters a great deal to Allentown in particular, and good government in general.

I had planned to sit in on this trial several days every week. But about a week before it started, I was hit with the flu virus that's been going around. Because of my advanced age, I then developed walking pneumonia. Since only the good die young, I've made a complete recovery. But I'm now behind on my title work. As soon as I've caught up, I plan to sit in on as much of the trial as I can.

I wish I had been there on Monday to see FBI Special Agent Scott Curtis testify. He's something of a rock star in the Justice Department. He took down over 100 members of the Colombo crime family in New York, and flipped about a dozen of them. They led him to Tommy Shots Gioeli, a high-ranking mobster who was convicted of, among other things, conspiracy to commit murder.

Tommy will be released from federal prison in 2024.

After flipping New York gangsters, Curtis flipped quite a few people in Fed Ed's political corruption trial. In damning detail, Fed Ed has been placed at the center of his own crime family.

According to Opilo, Curtis' attention was first drawn to Fed because there were "news reports alleging that Mayor Pawlowski was involved in political corruption." There certainly had been no hint of corruption from The Morning Call. Editors there shut down reporters who tried to tell readers what was happening. So I believe, perhaps vainly and incorrectly, that this and Molovinsky's blog were what made them interested.

I personally am very impressed at the daily coverage being provided now by The Morning Call. They could have done that several years ago. I particularly like the video recaps provided by Emily Opilo.

Though I've been unable to attend, I've spoken to several who have sat in on parts of the trial.

From what I've been told, the jurors have been attentive when the prosecution is presenting evidence. But at least two jurors have nodded off during defense cross-examinations.

If true, it means Fed Ed is in trouble.

Another point from the wiretaps involve is the use of other "consultants" who are really lobbyists at a local level. They get close to the decision makers, but state law fails to even require that these rainmakers register. They can even be political consultants.

That is true, and it means we're all in trouble.

Who Is Paying Fed Ed's Legal Bill?

Jack Rosen with two of his donees

Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski has a January 16 date, in either Allentown or Philadelphia, for a trial on 54 counts of political corruption. Pretrial motions are due on November 9. If Presiding Judge Juan Sanchez determines that a hearing is needed, that will take place on November 28. A final pretrial conference is scheduled for January 4.

That's when most court observers think Fed Ed will plead. On his own, he lacks the resources for an extended trial.  But what if someone is footing his legal bill?

Fed Ed's lawyer, Jack McMahon, has entered his appearance, and that's a big deal. Courts are generally reluctant to allow a lawyer to withdraw his appearance in a criminal case simply because he is getting no money. That's his problem. So lawyers generally decline to enter an appearance unless financial arrangements have been made. McMahon's appearance indicates he expects to be paid or has been paid already.

Since Fed Ed has no resources on his own, someone is footing the bill for him. Who could it be?

New York City developer Jack Rosen is a major Democratic campaign donor. He definitely was under the federal microscope and is referred to in the federal indictment as "J. Ro."

He's one of the fellows who went to an Eagles game and fancy steak house with Fed Ed.

He has an obvious incentive to pay Fed Ed's legal bills. I don't know that he is, but someone is paying McMahon.

USA Today: Feds Have 87% Conviction Rate in Local Political Corruption Cases

USA Today has a fascinating story on the federal investigation of political corruption. Though the story's focus is a federal investigation of political corruption in Tallahassee, it makes several observations that are directly relevant to the Fed Ed prosecution.

First, despite claims that the FBI's main focus is elsewhere, "Public corruption is the FBI’s chief criminal investigative priority and is something it does very well."

Second, when it comes to public corruption, its conviction rate is 87%.

"From 1996 to 2015, U.S. Attorney offices charged 5,411 local officials with public corruption crimes, earning 4,699 convictions, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The investigation in Tallahassee is one of roughly 5,000 the FBI launched from roughly 2012 to 2016 concerning allegations of public corruption, election crimes or government fraud."

Third, "Local governments are more vulnerable to corruption ... because there are fewer eyes watching. Payments typically don’t need to go through the same approval process required at the state and federal level."

Fourth, local pols are cheap dates. "Bribes can take the form of 'street currency' — dinners and sports tickets. In Allentown, Pennsylvania, prosecutors said all it took for Mayor Ed Pawlowski to dole out a city contract was a steak dinner, campaign contributions and tickets to a Philadelphia Eagles playoff game."

Fed Ed Case Update: Are Four More Indictments Expected?

More Indictments? - When Morning Call reporter Emily Opilo reported on the indictment of Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski, she tweeted that nine sealed indictments had been filed, adding that "some may not be Allentown-related."

	Emily Opilo (@emilyopilo)
7/26/17, 9:03 AM By the end of the day yesterday, there were 9 sealed cases filed in our district of federal court. Again, some may not be Allentown-related.

In addition to her tweet, federal prosecutors initially indicated they would conduct news conferences on both Wednesday and Thursday. That Wednesday news conference happened, but nothing more was said about a separate news conference on Thursday.  These two factors have led some to infer that four more indictments are pending. More indictments are certainly possible, but we'll have to see.

Allinson's firm bio - In an email to "old friends," three people who had their claws in Northampton County government, Scott Allinson said his firm would stand behind him. His firm bio was gone from the firm web page the day after his indictment was published. That may be the result of remarks he is quoted making about other attorneys in that firm, disparaging their integrity.

Thanks to Google cache, I was able to retrieve Allinson's firm profile, in which he basically claims to be the solicitor to every municipality in the Lehigh Valley.

But he may have been puffing. According to the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, which called me last week, Allinson is not their lawyer. They know better who represents them than I do. Nor does he represent the NorCo IDA, they tell me. I believe he did.

How much time does Fed Ed face? - As explained in the US Attorney's news release,

"The charge of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; the charges of mail fraud, wire fraud, honest services mail fraud, honest services wire fraud, and attempted Hobbs Act all carry an individual maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; and the charges of conspiracy, travel act bribery and making material false statements all carry an individual maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine."

Doing the math, means a maximum sentence of 775 years. Is that likely? No. But he is looking at double digits, and was warned.

It's a Fleckin' mess! -  The common denominator in both the Allentown and Reading pay-to-play prosecutions is Mike(d) Fleck. Long before his association with Fed Ed, he had the reputation of fleecing candidates.He tiffed state house candidate Archie Follweiler for $21,000 in 2007. I was told Fleck matured. I agree. He matured into a full-fledged thief.

But a likable one with a good singing voice.

The best Fleck story ever - "You won't Fleckin' believe this!" - was penned by Express Times Editor Jim Deegan. Fleck had plastered Easton with all kinds of signs when he ran against Mayor Panto in 2007, and lost. After the election, he was slow to clean up and was rightly taken to task. Fleck eventually did so and pledged to buy Deegan lunch if he found more than three or four signs.

The Palmer Tp police found hundreds. Fleck apparently threw them in a dumpster at the local Autozone, along with hundreds of copies of his newspaper, The Easton Irregular, and for some strange reason, a jockstrap.

Fleck was charged with theft of services, but beat the rap.

When Fed Ed hooked up with Fleck, he knew exactly what was happening.

A lounge singer.

The Passion of the Pawlowski

According to prominent Philadelphia defense lawyer Jack McMahon, Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski is looking forward to his day in court. He is going to make mincemeat of an "extraordinarily weak" prosecution. He said this yesterday afternoon at the stoop outside of Pawlowski's downtown 11th Street home. And he made a rather unsettling analogy. Fed Ed is apparently Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God and Light of the City Without Limits.

Well, we all know what happened to Jesus Christ, so he may want to rethink that one. If McMahon was really convinced this was a weak case, and if Fed Ed really cared about the City, they would both insist on invoking the Speedy Trial Act and demand their day in court well before the election. But McMahon deftly sidestepped questions about that yesterday as deftly as the NBA superstar his father once was.

Several people told me they saw me there, but I skipped this event. I was on my way to a basketball game at Cedar Beach, and wanted to make sure the rims were still there. I did watch the video shot by Lehigh Valley Live's Sarah Cassi, and loved her story that included the reactions of kids who were riding their bikes in the neighborhood. I'm sure they were excited to be part of this story.

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords flatly denied he had used his public office to benefit himself in any way, but the federal indictment completely contradicts him. In Paragraph after paragraph, there are allegations that Fed Ed himself strong-armed city vendors, and even had one of them take him to dinner and an Eagles play-off game.

Jesus Christ is an Eagles' fan.

One of his Apostles, Mike Fleck, promised Fed Ed to "beat the shit" out of Allentown Attorney Scott Allinson when he balked at making more contributions.

Allinson made clear that he expected legal work in exchange for donations.He said it “isn’t like we are being hired because we are good guys. It’s not the way this shit works.” He implied that his own lawfirm, Norris McLaughlin, gets work on the basis of political contributions, not because of any legal acumen. Allinson is still a member of that firm, which represents several municipal authorities in the Lehigh Valley. Those contracts need to be terminated.

And so it goes for 55 counts.

Unlike Jesus Christ, Fed Ed blamed everything on Mike Fleck, who apparently forced Fed Ed to go to an Eagles' game.

Fed. Ed is in complete denial. His refusal to step down has hurt the City of Allentown. It has also hurt his own children.

I fell sorry for them. For the Messiah, not so much. .  

Why I Crashed a Pawlowski Presser

Walter Felton

When I heard last night that Lehigh County Democratic Chair Walt Felton had decided to host a presser at Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski's campaign headquarters on N 8th St in Allentown, I decided to crash it.

I arrived late, but was there in time to hear Walter Felton hem and haw about how the party never endorsed him, but he is their candidate. If anything, Walter damned Pawlowski with faint praise.

I was there to ask two questions. First, if Fed Ed was truly innocent of these charges, why the hell was he hiding?

Second, if he refuses to resign, will he exercise the Speedy Trial Act and demand a quick trial? Don't the people of Allentown deserve this?

Under federal law, the Speedy Trial Act generally requires that a Defendant be tried within 70 days of indictment or his first court appearance, which in Fed Ed's case will likely be today. This Act also provides that a Defendant must have at east 30 days to prepare, unless he agrees in writing to an earlier date.That means that Fed Ed's trial could conceivably be scheduled between August 25 and October 3.

This is the approach that US District Court Judge Paul S Diamond took in the recent successful prosecution of Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams. Like Fed Ed, Williams refused to resign after being indicted.

Despite a motion to delay the case by both prosecutors and the defense, Judge Diamond insisted on a speedy trial. He noted that the Speedy Trial Act “was designed with the public interest firmly in mind” and that it exists "to vindicate the public interest in the swift administration of justice.”

"I am hard-pressed to think of a case where the public’s right to a speedy trial is more pressing than it is here: the largest prosecutors’ office in the Commonwealth is being run by someone who is not licensed to practice law and is himself charged with 23 federal crimes. Defense counsel—an experienced lawyer—surely understood the need for a prompt resolution of this matter when he agreed to represent Defendant."

In this case, the Mayor of Pennsylvania's third largest city stands accused of being the criminal mastermind of a scheme to deprive the public of their right to honest services through bribery, extortion, bid-rigging and obstructing federal investigators.

Since Fed Ed refuses to resign, it is in the public interest to insist on a swift trial, and one that will be over before the election.

A baker's dozen of Fed Ed supporters were at this news conference. But not Fed Ed.

They quickly identified me as an enemy of this banana republic dictator, and in typical Fed Ed fashion, began denouncing me as disbarred, a nonresident and a drunk. They also said I was "radicalized."

I plead guilty, unlike Fed Ed.

They also began picking on NBC10's reporter, who was asking tough questions, too.

Though I acted all badass, I really felt sorry for these people. He's using them. Most of them are Latinos, the very people described by a former Fed Ed supporter as a "cancer" during a Business Matters broadcast. They reminded me of the female manager of a thrift store on Hamilton Street, who Fed Ed essentially ran out of town in 2007.*

Hamilton St merchants and community activists 

He ignored her multiple calls to him for help concerning bus stops that had been removed, which decimated her foot traffic by 75%. He ignored my calls, too, and at that time I had every reason to support him.

"He's our father. He's the father of our house. He's supposed to take care of us. If he doesn't take care of his children, who can he take care of?"


Those were the words spoken by Bibi Hazra, who operated the Loco Dollar Store. She went under, as did other merchants,and this was long before the NIZ.

Fed Ed now pretends he is the friend of the very people he abandoned in 2007.

In case you've ever wondered what turned me off about Fed Ed, it was this episode. He ignored the people he is supposed to represent.
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* Though blogger Michael Molovinsky and I have some serious issues (which actually is a good thing), I have to credit him as the person who first raised public awareness about Fed Ed's attempt to gentrify Hamilton Street.

Who Has Been Indicted With Fed Ed?

Yesterday, I told you that I expected to see Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski indicted before the day was over. NBC-10's Jim Friedman was the first real reporter, as opposed to bottom-feeding blogger, to break the story late in the afternoon. The other news outlets quickly followed.

It's bigger than I thought. Five people have been indicted, including Fed Ed and Allentown Attorney Scott Allinson. The US Attorney's Office has scheduled two news conferences on both Wednesday and Thursday. From this, I infer that the still-sealed indictments encompass political corruption in both Allentown and Reading.

In Reading, former Mayor Vaughn Spencer may be one of those indicted, although I had thought he was cooperating with federal authorities.

Another likely defendant is Dean Miller. He was the former Executive Director of the Reading Water Authority, and at the same time, owned a meter reading company that read the meters.  This company overbilled some customers while winking at others.

The Reading Water Company's records were part of the FBI subpoena list.

I suspect that the fifth Defendant may be a local entrepreneur with business interests in both Reading and Allentown, but this is purely a guess on my part.

We'll know soon enough.  

Prominent Allentown Lawyer Says He's Being Indicted in Fed Ed Case

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.

Allentown City Council Tells Feds to Get the Lead (and Fed Ed) Out

By a 5-2 vote, Allentown City Council has this evening adopted a resolution calling on federal authorities to conclude, one way or another, their two-year long investigation of political corruption in Allentown. "We've had this cloud now for two years," said Candida Affa. "We're being held hostage with this."  Daryl Hendricks added that the citizens of Allentown are being deprived of  "open and honest" government. "Remove the cloud hanging over our city, " he said.

The measure was opposed by Julio Guridy and Roger MacLean "Investigations don't always go as fast or as smoothly as you want," said MacLean, a 40-year law enforcement veteran and former police chief. "There's gotta' be reason, and I know it's a good reason, why it is taking so long." Guridy said it would be ignored by federal investigators who will say, ""Who are you guys from the little city of Allentown to tell us what to do?"

Interestingly, no member of the public spoke, either in support of or against the resolution.

The resolution provides that allegations over the past two years "continue to bring the City into disrepute and continue to create a negative work environment making it difficult to effectively conduct city business." It finds that "the length of time and delay of indicting or exonerating Edwin Pawlowski is a disservice to the citizens of Allentown, robbing a majority of residents of any possibility of respectful governance so long as the allegations hang over Mr. Pawlowski."

Copies of this resolution are being provided to the FBI, US Attorney's office and to Judge Juan Sanchez. That will give him something to think about next time the feds attempt to delay a sentencing.

Updated 8:55 pm: This report is based on watching the video of the meeting in progress. I was there in spirit, but not in body.