Feds: Reilly took $1,500 in bribes from construction contractor

UPDATED:

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SCRANTON - The bribery charges filed against Luzerne County Clerk of Courts Robert Reilly today relate to his alleged acceptance of $1,500 in kickbacks from contractor Barton Weidlich for work Weidlich performed in the Clerk of Courts office and another county building, according to an affidavit.

The affidavit, which was unsealed this afternoon, says Weidlich told federal authorities that Reilly demanded a 10 percent kickback for work he performed in the clerk of courts office, which included the installation of a wooden gate.

Weidlich said he also paid Reilly kickbacks for work that was performed in a building the county was using for storage located behind Antonio’s Pizza on River Street. All tolled, Weidlich  said he paid kickbacks to Reilly five to seven times totaling $1,500.

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UPDATED:

Luzerne County Clerk of Courts Robert Reilly was released on his own recognizance following his arraignment today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Malachy Mannion.  Reilly was charged today with accepting bribes in exchange for his influence in rewarding contracts in Luzerne County.

UPDATED:

Luzerne County Clerk of Courts Robert Reilly arrived at the federal courthouse in Wilkes-Barre around 10:50 a.m. for his arraignment on bribery charges.

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ORIGINAL POST: 10:01 a.m.

Luzerne County Clerk of Courts Robert Reilly was charged by the U.S. Attorney's office with soliciting and receiving bribes, and gratuities in his official capacity.

According to a one page criminal complaint, Luzerne County received federal assistance in excess of $10,000 during each calendar year beginning 2005 until 2009. In or about 2007, Reilly did "corruptly solicit, demand, accept and agree to accept a thing of value, that is money, from a person, intending to be influenced and rewarded in connection with a transaction and series of transactions involving $5,000 or more."

If convicted of the charge, Reilly faces up to 10 years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is conducting the investigation of the case and prosecution as been assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney John Gurganus.