Shots Fired: DA Krasner Cleans House!

Newly sworn-in Philadelphia District Attorney, Larry Krasner, has started the new year with a BANG!  Dozens of Assistant District Attorney’s were sent packing with dozens of others shaking in their boots!

Krasner, who took over the 534 employee department on January 2, provided no official comment on the terminations.  See the partial leaked list below:

E. Marc Costanzo

Pat Blessington

Trial Division Chief John Delaney, Jr.

Pre-Trial Unit Chief Michael Barry

Chief of the Diversion Courts Unit Derek Riker

Chief of Family Violence & Sexual Assault James Carpenter

Gun Violence Task Force Chief Carolien Keating-McGlynn

DA Conviction Review Unit Marc Gilson

Chief of the Legislation & Policy Unit Greg Rowe

Lauren Realberg

Jason Kleinbahn

Laquan Lightfoot

Melissa Francis DAO’s Danger Drug Offenders Unit

Brian Hughes

Andrew Notaristefano

Tom Lipscomb

Bridget Kirn

Joe Whitehead

Laurie Moore

Namratha Ravikant

Gwen Cujdik

Brian Zarallo

Yvonne Ruiz

Michelle Seidner

Jan McDermott

Salina Jones

Hugh Burns

B.J. Graham-Rubin

Stacey Hughes

Carlos Vega

Nicole Pedecino

Jenn Hoffman

We all remember Costanzo and Blessington from the Porngate scandal.  The “pitbull” Marc Gilson states he was “shocked”.  Many of the others allegedly had dubious convictions and/or misconduct allegations.

Mark Gilson – Bye-Bye

According to triblive.com, “Some of those let go, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss their termination, said they were told Friday morning to come to the office as soon as possible. When they arrived, they said, they were escorted by the office’s detectives as they learned their fate – often without explanation – and cleaned out their desks. Several left in tears.

Andrew Notaristefano, a homicide prosecutor and district attorney’s office employee for more than a decade, said he had a homicide trial scheduled to start Monday – and that he’d met with the victim’s family Thursday night to prepare. He was at his desk working Friday when a human resources employee took him aside and told him he was fired, he said.

Notaristefano, who secured dozens of murder convictions during his career, said he was given “no explanation.” He requested to leave after prosecuting his upcoming trial but was told no, he said. His request to speak to Krasner was also denied, he said.

“I’ve worked very hard and sacrificed a lot to make this city a safer place and to help people,” said Notaristefano, part of the team of prosecutors that unsuccessfully sought the death penalty last fall in a retrial for a decades-old murder.

Michael Barry, deputy of the pretrial division, confirmed that he was asked to resign, with his last day next Friday. James Carpenter, chief of the Family Violence and Sexual Assault Unit for the past six years, said he would also leave that day.

Derek Riker, chief of the Diversion Courts Unit for the last five years, said he was shocked to be let go because “I consider myself one of the progressive people in the office,” responsible for cases that involve alternative treatment and programs instead of incarceration – the types of ideals Krasner campaigned to expand.

Gwenn Cujdik, a homicide prosecutor, asked what would happen if she didn’t resign as requested. She said she was told she would be fired on Monday.

“A lot of us stayed because we were willing to stay and willing to work for (Krasner) and continue to do what we do,” Cujdik said.”

Uh……Yeah.  It is not unusual for the incoming District Attorney to make staffing changes.  Ed Rendell, former District Attorney, Mayor and Governor states he dismissed about 25 percent of staff when he first took office.

 

Philly DA Detective Retaliated Against for Cooperating with Feds, Lawyer Claims

In the Philadelphia Police Department, when you “snitch” on your own, you will be singled out, retaliated against and fired at the smallest infraction.  In many cases, Internal Affairs will look for infractions or baseless allegations, to rid the department of those who violate the “stop snitching” culture within the Police Department.

It seems now, in the District Attorney’s Office of Philadelphia, whistleblowers need protection from supervisors within the County Detectives Unit who were loyal to disgraced former District Attorney Rufus Seth Williams.  According to Detective Pierre Gomez, a former 12 year veteran Philly cop who is now a Prosecution Detective 1 in the DA’s office, claims he is now being retaliated against because of his cooperation with the Feds which resulted in the imprisonment of Seth Williams.

What, witness intimidation in the DA’s office?  The same office who charge people with witness intimidation.  Apparently, the supervisors over there didn’t get the memo.  They have misplaced loyalty to a convicted felon.

Whistleblowers are maligned, mistreated and misrepresented.  When a whistleblower reports misconduct they immediately subject themselves to retaliation.  This is as common in the law enforcement culture as well across the broad spectrum of business organizations.  It is a culture where “snitching” is taboo.

Pierre Gomez is learning his lesson the hard way.  Gomez was bodyguard for Seth Williams during his tenure as the Philly DA.  In this capacity, Gomez was with Seth during his infamous interactions about that red 1997 Jaguar XK8 that the owner of Woody’s bar gave Williams which was a subject of the subsequent FBI investigation.

Gomez was there during the infamous meeting at the Union League, in which then-Chief Inspector Joseph Sullivan, decided to showboat, after doing everything in his power to assist Seth in his misdeeds, to allow a Jordanian born businessman, Mohammed Ali, bypass extra screening by our diligent Homeland Security folks in Customs, BEFORE he was told that Seth’s days were numbered.

So you see, Gomez would have been the perfect guy for the Feds.  Gomez was given immunity and cooperated with the feds for two years.  You can see how misguided loyalty will motivate his supervisors to try to get intelligence from him when it was discovered he was cooperating.

Gomez alleges that his supervisor, Kenyatta Lee, who is a Lieutenant in the unit and also a from Philly cop, tried pumping Gomez for information.  Gomez claims he gave Lee minimal information.

Kenyatta Lee

 

Kenyatta Lee, who was assigned to the 24th District at the time, was disciplined for his role in the making of  t-shirts that glamorized the July 12 beating of suspect Thomas Jones.   Lee was placed on desk duty in DPR and then formally disciplined.   Both 24th District police captains were also disciplined for failing to stop the distribution of the shirts within the Philadelphia Police Department.

It was a huge black eye for the city at the time because of the RNC, which the t-shirts referenced, and the Jones beating was being compared to the Rodney King beating.

Lee was also a trustee with FOP Lodge #5 as well.  It should be noted that the time of the t-shirt caper, President of the FOP, John McNesby was a police officer with Lee in the 24th District at the time.

Lee would have reason to hate whistleblowers because it was whistleblowers who went to then-Commissioner John Timoney after none of the supervisors in the district intervened.   Internal Affairs swarmed the 24th and 25th Districts to interview cops.  Even though Internal Affairs did over 100 interviews in the districts, not one police officer claimed to know who made the tee-shirts.  And only a handful admitted to even seeing them at all, even though there were photos of cops wearing the shirts inside the district.

UPI reported at the time:
“Philadelphia – (7-21-00) Narcotics officer Kenyatta Lee has been disciplined for his role in the making of T-shirts that glamorize the July 12 beating of suspect Thomas Jones. Two police captains were also disciplined for failing to stop the distribution of the T-shirts within the Philadelphia Police Department. Officer Kenyatta Lee is to be reassigned to a desk job where he will take complaints about small crimes.
“Welcome, America” was printed on the back of the T-shirts in bright blue,
two-inch-high letters. A black-and-white picture shows a swarm of officers
surrounding and beating Jones. On front of the shirts is an image of a badge which refers to the
Philadelphia Police Department and the upcoming Republican National
Convention. Police said Officer Kenyatta Lee sold the shirts to other officers for $10.”

 

Gomez also stated he went up the chain and reported Lee’s conduct to his superior, who was then Claude Thomas, who was the Chief of County detectives at the time, amazingly, put in writing, that Gomez will not respond to “third party” inquires regarding Williams in an email he sent to everyone in the office.  When asked if this included subpoenas, Thomas allegedly informed Gomez that it was inclusive to his order.

Claude Thomas

This is the same Claude Thomas who sued Kathleen Kane for retaliation.   Gomez is alleging his was retaliated against and is demanding $200,000.00.  

Besides for leaving the office because of Seth Williams ultimate arrest and conviction, rumor has it Thomas resigned because he was living in Delaware while assigned to the DA’s office.

Larry Krasner will certainly be made aware of these latest developments.  Krasner has a HUGE problem with this kind of conduct.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seth Williams-He’s Outta Here

Seth Williams, who had tears in his eyes when a reporter asked him how he was doing in light of investigations against him for his questionable decisions regarding tens of thousands of dollars in free gifts, will not be seeking re-election.

Williams, who have been the subject of many rumors about an FBI investigation into his conduct and his controversial hiring of a debt-ridden attorney, Tariq El-Shabazz, Debt-Ridden Shabazz Hired in DA’s Office has been blasted about his attempt to run for the highest law enforcement office in the City of Philadelphia. FBI Investigation.

Seth has had his own problems with his ethics and an inability pay his city bills as well as others.  Wiliams-Ethically Challenged

Williams also stubbornly stuck by former prosecutor Frank Fina, Fina Resigns Amid Porngate who was involved in the Porngate scandal that bought down among others, Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justices J. Michael Eakin and Seamus McCaffery.  Supreme Court Judges In Porngate

Williams openly battled with former Attorney General Kathleen Kane, that resulted in in-fighting within the law enforcement community.  Kathleen Kane/Seth Williams In-Fighting  Kane has said on numerous occasions that she was retaliated against for exposing those involved in Porngate. Seth Williams  Kane was later tried and convicted of leaking information about Fina to the press.  Kane Convicted and Sentenced

Kane, is currently a convicted felon.  She is appealing her conviction.

Stay Tuned.

Indictment Countdown for Philly DA

Apparently in that hastened disclosure to the Ethics Board, the most controversial line item is that $45,000.00 free roof Seth Williams received from a New Jersey roofer.  Williams Forgot to Disclose.

Williams, whose staff is now being questioned by the FBI, is allegedly and conveniently out of town.  One can only imagine what his staffers will say to the FBI.  Morale has been at an all time low in the DA’s office according to sources.  With some ADA’s, being retaliated against for doing the right thing, like AJ Thomson  DA Fired From DA’s Office and Laurie Malone, the latter for having the gumption to recommend that John “Johnny Doc” Doughterty be arrested for punching a non-union electrician in JanuaryThe Untouchable Johnny Doc, the FBI will probably have more help than usual in bagging Williams.  DA Demoted After Recommending Charges.

While Williams “forgot” to file the free stays at mogul’s homes, free Eagles tickets, free Visa gift cards, he also forgot to get the proper permits for the roofing work done to his Overbrook home.  You see, in Philadelphia, when you have roofing work done of this magnitude, a permit is needed.

A check with city records does not find a permit applied for or on file.  The top law enforcement of Philadelphia seems to break laws and beg friends for favors around every corner.  Philly DA failed to Get Permits

The New Jersey roofer, by the name of Michael Palmieri, felt comfortable enough not to waste his time with following the law.

According to City and State, “The Palmieris, who reside in Burlington County, N.J., have become notable contributors to a number of other Pennsylvania political figures, including state Sen. Anthony Williams, state Sen. Vincent Hughes, state Rep. Dwight Evans, Philadelphia City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and Brett Mandel, who ran a failed campaign in 2013 to unseat Philadelphia Controller Alan Butkovitz.”

What’s most disturbing is that Williams sought out graft.  According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Williams solicited freebies from a pharmaceutical mogul, Raymond Mirra, after he was introduced by another political friend.

Mirra has a sprawling estate, reportedly worth $10 million, and is described in the Inquirer article as “set up more like a private resort in which to pamper oneself,” with a full horse stable, riding trails, and “endless amenities,” including six guest homes, a 6,000-bottle wine cellar, a massage area, a bowling alley, and indoor and outdoor pools.”  Williams had no pride or issue with begging to use a home of a friend of a friend.

“He asked to use the facility,” said Dennis Gordon, lawyer for Raymond Mirra, owner of the Stone Ridge Estate in Appomattox, Va.

The Inquirer is reporting that Williams staffers has been interviewed by the FBI.  Philly DA Staffers Questioned by FBI.  The staffers in the case of former Attorney General Kathleen Kane’s case, gave blistering testimony against her.  We can look forward to the staffers of Williams following in their footsteps.  Aides Testify Against Kane.  Their damning testimony resulted in the conviction of Kane on all charges.  Kane is scheduled to be sentenced in October.

The allegations against Williams is eerily similar to those against former Congressman Chaka Fattah.  The belief that they can beg and get free vacations, cash and other trinkets under the guise of friendship.  Fattah and his “friend”, Herbert Vederman, the Charming Shoppes mogul, were convicted and is scheduled to be sentenced in October.  Fattah Guilty

So the countdown begins to the Indictment of Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams.  The same way he hurriedly amended his financial disclosures,  maybe he’ll begin stop using the Office of the District Attorney as an ATM and resume the role of crime-fighter……….without double standards.

 

 

Racism has no place in PPD or Jefferson Hospital

Jefferson Hospital fired a Jefferson Health employee for a racist, hate filled post that went viral.  The employee was identified as Diane Amoratis.  A Jefferson spokesperson said the employee was not a nurse, but declined to identify her job duties.Jefferson fires employee over racist rant.

Diane Amoratis 53, of Bridesburg,  an area of with a history racism in the City of Philadelphia, didn’t bite her tongue.  Now it has cost her a job.   Bridesburg was one of the areas in the past where minorities were unable to peaceably walk through without being assaulted.  Racism in Bridesburg.

Amoratis wrote the inflammatory Facebook post following Saturday night’s Black Lives Matter protest in North Philadelphia in front of the 24th and 25th Districts.  This is where resident racist Corporal Robert Pawlowski is currently assigned.

Amoratis stated she is proud to white and wants black people to get an “honest job”.  Well now she needs a job.

According to the Philadelphia Daily News, “The diatribe, which also praised police restraint at the protest, smoldered unnoticed for a day before it was shared tens of thousands of times by outraged Facebook users across the nation. Many who read the post directed their anger at Jefferson, demanding Amoratis be fired.”  And Jefferson obliged.

Jefferson posted on it’s Facebook page “”Hate speech of any kind is unacceptable at Jefferson and is not consistent with our values, policies and the culture of inclusiveness, dignity and respect we continue to build here.”

Dr. Brian H. Williams, the trauma surgeon who tried in vain to save some of the five police officers who died after the hate crime perpetrated against them by Micah Johnson.

Dr. Williams, who was visibly upset lamented “Hate speech of any kind is unacceptable at Jefferson and is not consistent with our values, policies and the culture of inclusiveness, dignity and respect we continue to build here”, he expressed to CNN’s Don Lemon.

Amoratis has since deleted her racist Facebook diatribe.   There is another screenshot where another person who says she also called  black people moneys and animals.

There is a pattern here.  Frank Fina, Pat Blessington and Mark Costanzo also posted racist, homophobic emails that morphed into what became known as “Porngate”.  It should have more appropriately be monikered, “Hategate”.

Two of the racist procecutors, Pat Blessington and Mark Costanzo are still with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, while a third, Frank Fina, recently resigned.  Racist Prosecutors Transferred by DA.

The announcement only came after a Philadelphia City Council resolution passed on calling for Frank Fina, Mark Costanzo and Pat Blessington to be fired.  District Attorney Seth Williams have steadfastly supported the three prosecutors.  Defying numerous groups, besides Philadelphia City Council, demanding their ouster.  The Pennsylvania National Organization for Women sent to open letter to Williams who still refused to terminate the trio.  Calls for an independent prosecutor to look into the racist, homophobic and sexist emails went unheeded by Williams.  

Porngate bought down two Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justices, Seamus McCaffery, who was once a Philadelphia Police Officer and J. Michael Eakin who resigned after the emails, which included ridiculing African Americans, women and homosexuals.

 

Corporal Robert Pawlowski received a 30 day suspension after referring to black officers as “niggers” and “banana eating monkeys” inside the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5.  

Philadelphia has big problems.  And when you have individuals who hold the positions such as Judges, Police Officers and Health care professionals, there is little wonder why the minority communities are suspicious of law enforcement.

In America, African Americans are more likely to have people in these positions making life and death decisions concerning them.

Enough is enough.  Jefferson Hospital ensured this person will have no power over black people who may come across her in their hospital.  Although Jefferson has stated Amoratis is not a nurse, allnurses.com has identified her as a nurse.  Amoratis, Nurse or Not a Nurse.  A LinkedIn profile also lists a Diane Amoratis as a Registered Nurse whose specialty is critical care.  A scary thought, especially since black police officers who are shot in that area could end up requiring her help.

Thank you Jefferson Health.  Continuing your position as a world class hospital and employer.

The baffling part is a racist website used by Philadelphia Police officer, moderated by a white Philadelphia Police supervisor, Fredric McQuiggan was allowed to exist for years without the supervisor being disciplined, nor any attempt to stop it by a sitting black police commissioner.

Three white prosecutors, who left the State Attorney General’s Office under dubious circumstances, was hired by a black sitting District Attorney.  The District Attorney then protected the prosecutors even when it the offensive racist emails were disclosed.  This is the public sector.  Fortunately, the private sector, had no such qualms and terminated the racist poster.

Racist Police, racist Prosecutors, racist Judges, racist medical professionals, documented incident after documented incident, but many whites get upset and calls out anyone who is bold enough to challenge the ways things are, “race baiters”.    In Philadelphia, and in Pennsylvania, it is rearing its ugly head, thanks to the advent of cellphone and social media, more than ever.  It can no longer be denied.

How can black and brown people trust a system where some of its members either verbally, or write their racist views or share racist views?  There is a problem right here in Philadelphia City.  It resonates with the song from the Music Man called “Ya Got Trouble”.  The song goes, ”

Well, either you’re closing your eyes

To a situation you do now wish to acknowledge

Or you are not aware of the caliber of disaster indicated

By the presence of racist in your community . Well, ya got trouble, my friend, right here,

I say, trouble right here in Philadelphia City.

Yup.  Anyone who has ever seen the play the Music Man, can see where the words have been altered to point out the issue in this story.

Gawker magazine was questioning if Philadelphia was the most racist city in America.  Philadelphia: Most Racist City in America?  Hopefully not.

There has to be a dialogue in America regarding race.  The first thing that has to happen occur is the acceptance there is a problem.  Especially in policing, where racism can cost lives.

 

FRANK FINA RESIGNS

Separated at birth.  Frank Fina and twin Stanley Livingston 

It has been rumored that Frank Fina, the racist, sexist, homophobic email sending prosecutor in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office, has resigned.

Seth Williams, who probably couldn’t be elected dog catcher in Philadelphia, has yet to publicly announce the resignation.

Fina the Freak, as he is often referred to, is one of the three who left the Attorney General’s office and came to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.

Fina is in the middle of “Porngate”.  It has long been questioned as to why Fina didn’t resign and the light must have finally turned on for the racist, sexist Prosecutor.  Why Doesn’t Fina Quit?

Williams, who has been under pressure to fire the three prosecutors has steadfastly refused to do so, and finally announced he did give the prosectors “sensitivity” training.  It seems that the entire crew who came from the Attorney General’s office, including one Claude Thompson, whom Williams recently appointed Chief County Detective for the District Attorney’s Office, was problematic.  Claude Thompson Promotion

Someone needs to tell this guy, that if you stop a car in Philadelphia, you must comply with documenting that car stop.  Ol Claude probably didn’t appreciate Chief Inspector Joseph Sullivan making him look foolish.  This guy deserved a promotion in the District Attorney’s Office though.

But then again, this is the same District Attorney’s office who continually called an admitted perjurer, Philadelphia Police Officer Christopher Hulmes, to testify.  Lying Cop Arrested for Perjury.  Hulmes is on trial currently after finally being charged.

The entire District Attorney’s Office is experiencing a high level of tension and morale is definitely affected.  Another female prosecutor, Laurie Malone, was demoted after allegedly recommending that John “Johnny Doc” Doughtery, the Local 98 leader, be arrested after he allegedly threw a punch at a non-union electrician.   Deputy DA Demoted After Recommending Charges

Malone is now overseeing criminal complaints.  A similar fate was received by former ADA AJ Thomson, whom also found himself on the wrong side of the DA’s brass when he refused to allow a lying cop to continue to testify in criminal cases.  Thomson was subsequently terminated.  Allegedly because his w  ork suddenly became sub-standard.  DA speaks out against lying cop

At least Fina, the race baiting, homophobic email sending, sexist pig, cannot exert his bias form of justice upon anyone else.  Public Servant Misbehaving On the Public’s Dime

UPDATE:  Williams wishes Fina “the best”.Fina Resigns

Fina Resigns!!!

Seth Williams Probed By Feds

Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams is being probed by the feds.  FBI agents visited a landlord of Seth Williams ex-wife, Sonita Williams, over a sweetheart rental deal.  According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, FBI agents visited Robert Herdelin, who owns a property that he owns in Drexel Hill and is renting to Sonita Williams.  Feds Probe Seth Williams over Shady Rent for Ex

Herdelin admitted the property could easily rent for $2500.00 a month, but agreed to rent it to Sonita Williams for $1,000.00 a month.

The FBI has been sniffing around his campaign “Friends of Seth Williams” for the last year.  Rumor has it there is a grand jury working in conjunction with the FBI and the IRS.

Seth Williams has long been a target about his messiness regarding his finances.  Williams, it was reported closed down “Friends of Seth Williams”.

Shortly after the FBI visited Herdelin, he immediately raised rent to the market rate of $2500.00 and the financially challenged ex-wife of Williams, immediately moved out.

Williams apparently think that is okay not to pay your bills.PGW says Seth Doesn’t Pay  Two years ago, Philadelinquency reported that he also doesn’t pay his PGW bill on time and the utility company placed a lien on his property.  Seth Williams PGW Lien

Maybe that’s why the Philadelphia District Attorney believes it is okay to attend a party for another indicted politician.  Seth got a “shout-out” from indicted State Senator Larry Farnese after attending a fundraiser for the State Senator at the Waterworks.

This explains alot.  This is why Williams have steadfastly refused to fire his staffers whom he hired after it was revealed they were involved in Porngate.  Seth Williams moved Frank Fina, E. Marc Costanzo and Patrick Blessington to a so called “lesser” position within the DA’s office after public outcry and gave them “sensitivity” training after the racist and sexist emails were revealed.  Racist Prosecutors reassigned

Birds that flock together……….Seth Attends Party For Indicted Pol

Racist ADA Alert: Fina,Costanzo & Blessington: Gotta Go

Philadelphia City Council has again asked that racists residents in the District Attorney’s Office, Frank Fina, Mark Costanzo and Patrick Blessington be dismissed from the District Attorney’s Office.  City Council asks Racist Prosecutors be Fired

The three prosecutors were among those who sent and or received racist, sexist, homophobic and xenophobic emails, while employed by the State Attorney General’s Office.  The entire affair became know as “porngate.  The Philadelphia District Attorney, Seth Williams, has steadfastly refused to fire the trio.  Porngate Racist Prosecutor should quit.

Fina, specifically sent overt racist e-mails to his co-horts and other state employees.  The entire mess left a lurid body count.  Former Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justices Seamus McCaffery and J. Michael Eakin both resigned as a result of the scandal, as well as more than a half a dozen of public officials who lost their jobs, including several high ranking officials in the Tom Corbett administration.

Former Justice Eakin has apologized for the e-mails and stated that his temporary lapse in judgment was not reflective of his character.  It seemed he experienced genuine remorse.

Meanwhile, Williams have remained defiant in refusing to dismiss the three.  Williams was confronted again, during budget hearings in City Council on Wednesday and again, argued the misconduct happened when they were state employees.  Williams acknowledged that he was offended by the emails as well.

Williams did institute a policy what some called “slut-shaming” which requires ADA’s to disclose both business and intimate relationships with cops, other prosecutors and all law enforcement.  It’s going to be pretty difficult to enforce with so many eager ADA’s to “get it in” with any nearby law enforcement personnel.  Everyone knows the cop who brags about how many ADA’s they have banged.  DA Policy On Sexual Relationships

Racist behavior by police and prosecutors is unacceptable.  With well documented disparities in the criminal justice system, as one woman (Sweet Brown) who received her 15 minutes of fame put it, “ain’t nobody got time for that.”

When blatant racist like Corporal Robert Pawlowski and passive agressive racist like Fina, Costanzo and Blessington are caught, they should be terminated from public service. When this does not happen, it is a public disservice.