Former Judges Charged In Ticket Fixing Conspiracy Begin Trial
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Six former judges and a local businessman are scheduled to go to trial Tuesday in federal court in the Philadelphia Traffic Court ticket fixing case. The defendants have pleaded not guilty.
The former judges are Michael Sullivan, Michael Lowery, Robert Mulgrew, Willie Singletary, Thomasine Tynes and Mark Bruno. They allegedly fixed tickets with not guilty verdicts, or guilty findings on lesser charges (see related story).
Authorities say they called it "consideration." The defendants allegedly gave "consideration" to the well-connected, as well as family and friends.
Former Judge Sullivan allegedly had people leave their tickets at a local tavern for him. Three other judges, and a court administrator -- described as a middleman and key figure in the scheme, and a businessman -- pleaded guilty earlier.
Philadelphia's traffic court was disbanded after the indictment was returned in this case. It's duties are now handled in municipal court.
