Acting controller faces DUI charge

By Jennifer Learn-Andes jandes@timesleader.comLuzerne County Reporter

Luzerne County Acting Controller A.J. Martinelli has been charged with drunken driving and careless driving in connection with a Jan. 19 crash, according to a complaint filed by Jenkins Township police on Monday.

Police say his blood-alcohol level was .212 percent, which is over the limit of .08, the level an adult driver is considered intoxicated.

According to the complaint:

Police officer Christopher J. Purcell responded to a crash in the 1300 block of Main Street in the Port Griffith section of the township around 3 a.m. and found Martinelli in his white Ford Expedition, which was facing south in the northbound lane with heavy front-end damage from hitting a retaining wall on Dolores Abby’s property.

As Purcell approached the Ford, Martinelli exited the vehicle, his pants falling to his knees.

When Purcell asked Martinelli for his license, insurance and registration, Martinelli said, “Give me a break,” and handed Purcell a badge case containing a county deputy controller badge.

After several requests, Martinelli provided the requested information to Purcell but continued asking for a break.

Purcell placed Martinelli under arrest because Martinelli slurred his words and emitted a strong odor of alcohol.

At that point Martinelli “started naming local politicians that he stated he knew, along with the statement, ‘Maryanne will fire me. Why are you trying to ruin my life?’ ”

He also told police, “Just let me out. No one will know,” and asked if knowing township Supervisor Joe Zelonis “could help him.” Martinelli also tried to exit the police vehicle.

The charges were filed with District Judge Diana Malast in Plains Township.

Martinelli apologized Monday.

“I’m very, very sorry for what has happened. I’ve embarrassed myself and my family. Thankfully, no one was hurt,” he said. “Whatever the law requires me to do, I am willing to do it, and I take full responsibility for the consequences.”

Commissioners don’t have a say in disciplinary actions in row offices.

Martinelli, of Dupont, works as deputy controller and has also been serving as acting controller since Maryanne Petrilla became a county commissioner last year. State officials never appointed someone to replace Petrilla, which means Martinelli would essentially have to fire himself.

“A.J. could resign on his own,” said minority Commissioner Stephen A. Urban.

Martinelli has said he does not plan to resign.

Urban said voters should pay attention to the selection of a new controller, who will oversee policy and personnel in that office.