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District Attorney Incumbent, seeking her second term in county post, is proud of programs helping child abuse victims

November 2

Musto Carroll touts experience

By Sheena Delazio sdelazio@timesleader.com
Staff Writer
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WILKES-BARRE – Jackie Musto Carroll has been an intern in the District Attorney’s office, a part-time and full-time assistant district attorney and first assistant district attorney.

For the last four years, she’s served the county as its top prosecutor and in November, hopes to again serve the Luzerne County residents for a second four-year term as district attorney.

“This is the position I can do the most good in,” Musto Carroll, 50, of Pittston Township, said in a recent interview about her campaign.

In 2007, Musto Carroll ran against current county solicitor Vito DeLuca for the seat in the primary. She went unopposed into the general election and won, becoming the first woman to serve as district attorney in Luzerne County’s history.

This time around, Musto Carroll will vie for the seat for another four-year term against attorney Stefanie Salavantis.

“I’m happy to see open doors and another woman (wanting to) aspire to this position,” Musto Carroll said.

The mother of three said what qualifies her to do the job again is that she has been doing the job for the last four years.

“I know what the job calls for. It’s a very serious job with a lot of responsibility,” Musto Carroll said, adding she’s held every position in the office an attorney can hold. She said her nearly 20 years in the office have given her a wealth of experience.

Musto Carroll said she’s handled every type of case, ranging from murder to child abuse cases to drug and white collar crimes.

“It’s a fast-paced position with things changing, and working all hours of the day…and making serious decisions,” Musto Carroll said.

She cited high-profile homicide cases she’s taken part in, including the recent first-degree murder conviction of Elvis Riccardi, charged in the June 2009 beating death of a Plymouth man, and arguing cases before the state Supreme and Superior courts.

Musto Carroll spoke of her accomplishments while in office, including the opening of the Child Advocacy Center and the implementation of youth aid panels.

The advocacy center was opened in August 2010 in Wilkes-Barre with the expectation of providing a friendly, safe and non-threatening place where children could tell their stories if they have been victims of sexual or physical abuse, while the Youth Aid Panels aim to keep juvenile offenders out of court but still held accountable for their actions.

Musto Carroll also spoke of “Too Smart for Trouble” presentations to 26 middle schools about laws and penalties for breaking them.

But what Musto Carroll says is most memorable for her on the job are the victims in cases she has handled.

“It’s an honor to represent them and the community,” Musto Carroll said. “It’s rewarding on a personal level.”

Musto Carroll said for the primary she spent approximately $30,000 and raised an additional $30,000 for the general election.

Musto Carroll said she is still doing fundraising, is meeting voters and putting up signs, as well as having volunteers make phone calls on her behalf.

When the general election date gets closer, Musto Carroll said she’ll begin doing some television advertisements as well.

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