News

October 7, 2009

Weidlich’s Tax Claim purchases raise questions

Barton Weidlich’s frequent visits to the Luzerne County Tax Claim Office have raised eyebrows, but did he get a special sweetheart deal?

Not necessarily, though one of the sales seemed suspect to another interested buyer.

Weidlich, who was arrested by the FBI last week on an obstruction of justice charge in connection with the county corruption probe, had purchased 12 repository properties in Pittston, Butler Township, Courtdale, Hughestown and Hazleton, records show.

Weidlich, who was close friends with former county chief clerk/manager Sam Guesto, bought the properties with John Altobelli, a county probation officer. The men paid $14,553 for the properties, which have been assessed at $270,000.

For the complete story, see Thursday's Times Leader.

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