Robert Reilly resigns as Luzerne County Clerk of Courts

JENNIFER LEARN-ANDES

jandes@timesleader.com

Robert Reilly has resigned as Luzerne County Clerk of Courts, office solicitor Peter Moses verified today.

Moses said he did not know if the resignation was connected to a plea deal that may be in the works for Reilly, who faces a federal bribery charge for allegedly steering county contracting work to contractor Barton Weidlich in exchange for $1,500 in kickbacks.

 Reilly, 57, of Wilkes-Barre, has not been in the office since he was charged April 16.

  According to a release from Moses, Reilly said he had the "honor and privilege" of serving county residents as clerk of courts for more than 22.5 years. He thanked the office staff for "getting the job done in spite of all the challenges."

  "Today, it is with a heavy heart, that I am announcing my retirement from the clerk of courts office," Reilly said in the release. His departure will take effect June 4.

  Reilly wrote that his family has "endured many ups and downs" during his time in office, and he thanked them for their "love and support."

 "Thank you to all who have supported me during those years," Reilly wrote. "May God bless the residents of Luzerne County ,the employees and my staff. Please accept my thanks for allowing me to serve you."

 Moses said a resignation letter was sent to county Court of Common Pleas President Judge Thomas Burke and Gov. Ed Rendell. The governor would nominate someone to fill the vacant seat, with Senate confirmation required.