WBTRUTH

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

TIMES LEADER COVERS SALAVANTIS CHARGES


The following is the Times Leader article regarding SALAVANTIS ABUSE. Times Leader allows for ridiculous lie & cover up... then prints it.

Mayoral, DA candidates allege District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis used public resources for campaign

First Posted: 8:21 pm - September 30th, 2015 Updated: 8:26 pm - September 30th, 2015. - 558 Views 


By James O’Malley - jomalley@timesleader.com


WILKES-BARRE — A Republican running for mayor and the Democrat hopeful for district attorney are lobbing joint allegations of illegal use of public office at Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis.
“You’re not going to campaign with my tax dollars,” Frank Sorick said Wednesday.
Sorick, running for mayor of Wilkes-Barre and president of the Wilkes-Barre City Taxpayers Association, claimed Wednesday in a letter addressed to Salavantis that an email exchange indicates her office used county resources in March to pull “confidential” files related to an animal crueltycase district attorney candidate Vito DeLuca handled in 2003 as a public defense attorney.
The email, which Sorick says was sent between March 4 and 5, says the files would be needed “by Monday.”
Sorick claims the records were pulled as a research effort against DeLuca, who had just received a campaign endorsement related to animal rights.
The allegations warrant a criminal investigation, Sorick wrote. His letter goes on to demand Salavantis refer the matter to the state Office of Attorney General and provide him with written proof of her office’s compliance.
Contacted for comment, DeLuca confirmed his support of the allegations and his involvement in bringing them to light.
“Our cities are turning into war zones; she’s complaining her office doesn’t have resources and this is how she uses those resources,” DeLuca said.
“Maybe someone should ask Vito who the prosecutor was,” Salavantis responded. “The thought of using one 12-year-old guilty plea as a representation of something in a 2015 race for district attorney is grasping at straws.”
The case’s prosecutor, she said, was now First Assistant District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce, and it was the only animal cruelty case he had handled. Salavantis said her office sought the file as reference for a meeting she and Sanguedolce had with the SPCA regarding a pending animal cruelty case.
Salavantis said the meeting was to occur on the Monday by which she required the records in question.
Case documents, which are public record, indicate Sanguedolce served as prosecutor and that DeLuca represented the defendant in the particular case, though free online records list another attorney as the attorney of record. DeLuca said this must have been done by mistake.
Behind the retrieval of the email, both he and Sorick said, was vocal blogger and city critic Mark Robbins.
Robbins filed a right-to-know request first with the DA’s office seeking the email, but was denied, DeLuca and Sorick said. He then filed another with the county and received the message.
DeLuca said he has known about the exchange since July, but decided not to come forward until he felt certain the district attorney’s office had no legitimate use for the file.


Though Obstruction of Justice charges will be examined for the 189 cases that the DA has dismissed... charges were filed today regarding other premeditated act(s).

1) A case can be made for theft of services against Salavantis as shes uses her $180,000 salary to work on her campaign site during business hours. Here is an example (there are more):


Follow up Question: Did parents give consent for these students?   

2) A person within the courthouse witnessed Marilyn King (Secretary/Office Mgr) personally soliciting court house workers encouraging them to "write-in" Salavantis during the time of 2015 Primary. This is Diversion of Services.

3) Please read for more Charges...



See the Pennsylvanians that have gone to jail HERE. 

THE ACTORS:
Stefanie Salavantis – Current District Attorney
Sam Sanguedolce – First Assistant District Attorney
Toni Ardo – District Attorneys Office Manager
Marilyn King – Personal Secretary to Stefanie Salavantis
other names withheld at this time


EVIDENCE:
I received a tip that Salavantis was using her office to do opposition research on her political opponent in the race for the District Attorneys Office, Vito DeLuca. Vito DeLuca has just received the public support of animal rights activists due to Salavantis’ mishandling of a case involving the starvation death of three horses.  My source said that a clerk was directed to retrieve a confidential, criminal file from 2002 where Vito DeLuca was the criminal defense attorney. The case was one involving a cruelty to animals charge where Attorney Deluca, as a Public defender, had a legal obligation to defend the person charged. The case had been closed for at least twelve years. Note that the clerk (further down)  is directed by Salavantis’ secretary to pull the file and Salavantis, Sanguedolce, and the office manager, Toni Ardo are copied on the file.

THIS IS ILLEGAL.  THIS IS AN UNLAWFUL USE OF YOUR TAX DOLLARS!  SALAVANTIS SHOULD SUFFER THE SAME FATE AS HER BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN PUBLIC CORRUPTION … REMOVAL FROM OFFICE, PROSECUTION, AND JAIL! 

18 3926B THEFT OF SERVICES -
The actor having control over the disposition of services of others, namely THE ACTOR KNOWINLY DIVERTED SUCH SERVICES VALUED IN EXCESS OF $50 TO HER OWN BENEFIT WHEN SHE UTILIZED A MEMBER OF HER LUZERNE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY STAFF, NAMELY HER SECRETARY, MARILYN KING, and CLERK AND OTHERS, TO FACILITATE AND PROMOTE THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN OF STEFANIE SALAVANTIS TO RETAIN THE OFFICE OF LUZERNE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY AT VARIOUS DIVERSE TIMES IN 2015, to which the actor was not entitled, knowingly diverted such services to her own benefit or to the benefit of another not entitled thereto in violation of 18 PaC.S.§3926(b).
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________18 903A1 CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY M2 1 COUNT
The actor, with the intent of promoting or facilitating the crime of 18 Pa.C.S. Section 3926B conspired and agreed with MARILYN KING TO DIRECT STAFFERS FROM THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND OTHERS, TO FACILITATE AND PROMOTE THE ACTOR'S ELECTION CAMPAIGN TO RETAIN THE OFFICE OF LUZERNE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY AT VARIOUS DIVERSE TIMES IN 2015 that they or one or more of them would engage in conduct constituting such crime or an attempt or solicitation to commit such crime, and in furtherance thereof did commit an overt act in violation of 18 Pa.C.S. §903 (a)(1).
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
18 4113A MISAPPLICATION OF ENTRUSTED PROPERTY AND PROPERTY OF GOVERNMENT OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS M2 1 COUNT
The actor applied or disposed of property, namely THE ACTOR, PERSONALLY AND THROUGH HER SECRETARY, MARILYN KING, AN ACCOMPLICE PURSUANT TO 18 PA CS §306, USED HER PUBLIC OFFICE FACILITIES AND OFFICE EQUIPMENT TO FACILITATE AND PROMOTE THE POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OF STEFANIE SALAVANTIS TO RETAIN THE OFFICE OF LUZERNE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY AT VARIOUS AND DIVERSE TIMES IN 2015 that had been entrusted to the actor as a fiduciary, or property of the government or of a financial institution, in a manner which said actor knew was unlawful and involved substantial risk of loss or detriment to the owner of the property or to a person for whose benefit the property was entrusted, in violation of 18 Pa.C.S.§4113(a).
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TO WIT: THE ACTOR DIRECTLY, AND/OR THROUGH HER COUNTY EMPLOYED STAFF DIRECTED MEMBERS OF HER STAFF ORALLY AND/OR VIA EMAIL (EMAILS DATED MARCH 4 and 5, 2015 BETWEEN MARILYN KING AND ----- -------)TO RETRIEVE A CONFIDENTIAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FILE OR FILES FROM A SECURE LOCATION, SPECIFICALLY CASE NO. 3913 OF 2002 WHICH WAS A CRIMINAL CASE
HANDLED BY HER POLITICAL OPPONENT, VITO DeLUCA, ESQ., AND SAID EMPLOYEES DID RETREIVE SAID FILE OR FILES AS DIRECTED.


18 5301(1) OFFICIAL OPPRESSION M2  
The actor, acting or purporting to act in an official capacity or taking advantage of such actual or purported capacity namely DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF LUZERNE COUNTY, knowing that said actor’s conduct was illegal subjected another to arrest, detention, search, seizure, mistreatment, dispossession, assessment, lien or other infringement of personal or property rights; or denied or impeded the exercise or enjoyment of any right, privilege, power or immunity by another, namely MARILYN KING and Other, REQUIRING HER/THEM TO PERFORM POLITICAL AND CAMPAIGN RELATED ACTS IN 2015 THAT WERE PROHIBITED BY REQUIRING HER/THEM TO PERFORM POLITICAL AND CAMPAIGN RELATED ACTS DURING OFFICE HOURS WHEN USE OF STAFF EMPLOYEES IN THAT MANNER VIOLATED PENNSYLVANIA CRIMINAL LAW, in violation of18 Pa. C.S. §5301(1) or (2).


The Process...


I immediately filed a Right to Know Request with the District Attorneys Office in an attempt to secure proof.


I received a response from the District Attorneys Office Right to Know Officer requesting a thirty day extension due to “staffing limitations.”  You will soon see the CAUSE of their STAFFING LIMITATIONS…

On August 27, 2015, the District Attorney’s Office DENIED my request…



The DA’s response said… “The above exception notwithstanding, our office has not generated any email… referred to in your request. Although any information sought in cases defended by Attorney DeLuca is public and available through the Clerk of Courts, this office has not directed research, investigation, etc. into such a matter.”

I then filed a Right to Know Request with the County’s IT Department in an attempt to secure proof…

The County granted my request and provided me with the following EVIDENCE that PROVES the District Attorney is using her PUBLIC, ELECTED Office, Confidential Files, Staff, and Equipment for campaign purposes. We know that she has broken the law... but we don't know the full extent of her criminal behavior. Sources were quoted as saying that staff was aked to "dig up on DeLuca." The intensity of her efforts is matched only by her desparation considering she went as far as to chase down a 12 year old file of Deluca's.  


DA TOSSES DUI (of approx 35 total) - NO REASON GIVEN


FACTS:    - Truck came within a foot of killing patrolman Loftus
                  -  Truck almost hit other patrolman David Williams
                  - Defendant could barely hold his balance while standing;  BAC =  .252 %

                  - DA Office dismissed all charges (NO reason given)



Tuesday, September 29, 2015

WITH TONY GEORGE... NOTHING CHANGES


Some whiney babies don't like the truth spoken about W-B Mayoral Candidate Tony George. I received the usual threat from Joe W (he threatens when he is drunk). Too bad. The goal is to find the best person for the job... to find who is best for the residents of Wilke-Barre.

Let's examine some topics and ask your self... is this Mayor material?

1) Same old... same old   MAJOR LIES    Tony George had a clear agreement with Frank Sorick that there would be no "pay-to-play" dinners. TONY GEORGE broke his word like it never existed. Just the truth, folks. HE LIED. BIG TIME.

2) Same old... same old   SELLING CONTRACTS    The "Pay to Play" dinners ($250) were opportunities for contactors to buy influence. I guess Tony George thought he wouldn't be called out on it. Well you are, Tony. Why should Wilkes-Barre elect a man who can't even keep his first promise?


3) Same old... same old   CONNECTIONS   Tony George gets a security job at W-B Vo-tech through connections (former Mayor). Connections are cronyism and are part of corruption and something we don't need.

4) Same old... same old     DO-NOTHING JOB   Tony George collects a handsome salary for a decade long job that, let's face it, a sloth could do. This is no preparation for a Mayor.




5) Same old... same old     STACKING PENSIONS    From the Bill Barrett paybook, Tony George collects pensions along his travels. More money the city has to pay.

6) Same old... same old     ILLEGAL CAMPAIGN REPORTS    Tony George made a mess of his campaign reports... so much so he had to hire high priced Philadelphia attorneys. Does this make anyone comfortable? We have had to spend a decade with Rosen, Kenkins, and Greenwald on speed dial for Leighton's corruption. We need competent and honest people so the city stops hemorhaging money on attorneys. 

7) Same old... same old     INCOMPETENCE    Tony George has 
 butchered his campaign reports and has already said he may ask the colleges for help with finances etc...  Why would we hire someone that can't do the job essentials? Why don't we hire someome competent - Frank Sorick!!



8) Same old... same old     PANDERING    Tony George has all but promised city hall will remain the same. THEN WHY THE HECK ARE WE ARE HIRING HIM?

THE LIE FROM PIT OF HELL is that Frank Sorick will clean out city hall. This is nonsensical. Frank will look to remove some slackers but has relationships with many in city hall who will absolutely still have jobs based on merits and experience.

9) Same old... same old     IT WON'T GET BETTER     As one can read from the letter below, Tony George as police chief did not have full support from the officers, the public, or even the City Council.

10) Same old... same old      THIS JOB HAS PASSED HIM BY.


TIMES LEADER

W-B FACES ARRESTING VERBAL WAR. 

POLICE CHIEF SAYS THERE'S NO TRUTH TO COMMENTS MADE BY DOWNTOWN COUPLE, WHO SAY COPS TOLD THEM THEY'RE TO KEEP ARRESTS DOWN DUE TO PAPERWORK.

By STEVE MOCARSKY smocarsky@leader.net

Monday, February 10, 2003     Page: 3A

WILKES-BARRE - City Police Chief Tony George on Sunday denied that he told officers not to make many arrests in downtown Wilkes-Barre. 

    Downtown residents Steve and Mary Saive said last week that officers told them ``off the record'' that they were ordered not to make many arrests to save on paperwork. 


    George said those remarks are either ``fabricated'' or officers just didn't want to make arrests, because they were ``protecting'' someone such as a friend or family member of theirs, or of a council member, who was patronizing a prostitute. 

    The chief also suggested that officers whom he disciplined might have made such statements in retaliation. 


    ``There were several officers disciplined in the last year. I'm not well liked in the department, but I work for the citizens of the city. (Some officers) make $50,000, $60,000 now, but don't think they have to earn their money. They have to do their jobs, maybe that's why they're upset,'' George said. 


    George also said there was ``no way'' his captains would give orders not to make arrests. 


    The Saives, who own an apartment building on West Ross Street, are circulating a petition seeking state help patrolling downtown. They have told City Council in recent weeks that officers rarely respond to prostitution and drug-dealing calls in a timely fashion and rarely make an arrest when they do show up. 


    Councilwoman Kathy Kane and Council President Mike McGinley have said they support the petition.      George said he received a letter from McGinley about two weeks ago asking about orders not to make arrests. 


    The chief said he responded that there are reports on every incident and officers are required to make an arrest if evidence supports one. He said he requested from council the names of officers who said they were given such orders so he could investigate, but he received no response. 


    Neither Kane nor McGinley could be reached Sunday for comment. However, Kane had said officers are afraid to speak out because of retaliation from Mayor Tom McGroarty. 


    McGroarty said he doesn't want ``to get down in the sewers'' with someone who would make an ``undignified'' comment like that that may be ``politically motivated.'' 
    McGroarty noted recent prostitution stings city police conducted with state police netted only one arrest. ``Would the state police not make arrests because of paperwork?'' McGroarty said. 


    The mayor also said officers' supposed remarks to the Saives don't make sense. He said arresting officers are the ones who do the paperwork, not supervisors or the chief, so they would have no reason to give such orders. 
    Steve Saive said he doesn't blame the police. ``They try to balance their priorities. They say, `We could take them in, but if something more serious happens in this block, you have to fend for themselves until someone can get here.' '' 


    Mary Saive said officers told her they were tired of arresting prostitutes ``and seeing them the next day because the magistrate would let them go.'' 

    McGroarty said if a police officer didn't make an arrest when warranted, the complainant should report the officer to the chief and the officer should be given the opportunity to correct his behavior. 

    Mary Saive said McGroarty was ``putting a happy face on a problem that's been here for a long time.'' 
    George also defended the department's downtown crime-fighting and crime-prevention efforts. He said an officer on horseback and an anti-crime unit car patrol the area regularly in addition to an area patrol car. He said crime has significantly decreased there during the last few years and four prostitutes were arrested in the past month. 


    But the Saives still think police aren't doing enough. 
    Mary Saive said police should arrest on suspicion of drunken driving a ``john'' who picks up a prostitute in his car when police stop to talk to the driver and smell alcohol on his breath. She said officers tell her they can't unless they have probable cause for a DUI stop. 


    George said officers must operate by the rules of criminal procedure. He added that police can't arrest a known prostitute just for walking down the street. 
    ``This isn't a police state, which I guess those people on South Franklin Street want,'' George said. 
    George confirmed that police do know many prostitutes by name. But that's because they arrested the prostitutes numerous times, not because they're friends with them. 
    George said police tell people they see loitering to move along. If police see the person loitering again, the person can be cited for defiant trespass. 
    But police can't arrest someone for loitering on the word of a citizen unless the complainant is willing to testify, George said. ``Usually, they don't want to get involved. That leaves our hands tied.'' 


Read more: http://archive.timesleader.com/2003/2003_03/2003_02_10_W_B_FACES_ARRESTING_VERBAL_WAR_POLICE_CHIEF_SAYS_THERE_S_NO_TRUT.html#ixzz3nC1dmbQN

Monday, September 28, 2015

TOO LATE SALAVANTIS... YOU CAN'T SHINE SH-T

THIS HARD TO FATHOM.  LITERALLY ONE MONTH AFTER LITTLE KEVIN MILLER WAS KILLED... SALAVANTIS THREW OUT A .236 DUI... NOT ONCE - BUT TWICE !!  SEE BELOW.  (Times Leader article states she will be using "Kevin's Law" for first time)
FROM AFFIDAVIT:
1) Kathleen Miick's BAC was .236 %; Driving a white 2011 BMW
2) She began physically fighting with officer
3) ... she poked the officer in the chest staing "why are you doing this to me I am not a fucking scumbag."
4) ... she responded by pushing the officer and stated that "she is filthy  rich and you (the officer) are a fucking prick."

Chronology:
1. Defendant stopped for DUI - 8/10/2012
2. Case filed by officer - 9/13/2012
3. Case waived to court by defendant and her attorney at the District
Justice Office - 11/20/2012
4. Case dismissed personally by Salavantis - No reason given - 1/24/2013
5. Case refiled by officer - 3/12/2013
6. Case again waived to court by defendant and her attorney at the District
Justice Office - 4/9/2013
7. Case dismissed by Sanguedolce - No reason given - 5/22/2013



How much respect does the DA give cops when this case is refiled by the officer and it is thrown out TWICE!!



TOSSED FIRST BY SANGUDOLCE

TOSSED A SECOND TIME BY SALAVANTIS


"Therefore no criminal information will be filed per DA Stefanie J Salavantis"

Sunday, September 27, 2015

DA: The Princess and the Punk... this post will be hard to believe

TEAM OF CORRUPTION

THE PRINCESS AND THE PUNK


FROM AFFIVAIT: HIT AND RUN... DUI... FIGHTING WITH POLICE... FAILURE TO TAKE BREATHALYZER FOR RELIGIOUS REASONS (LOL).

RESULT: TOSSED (Disapproved) !!  BY SANGUEDOLCE
NOTE: THE ATTORNEY GENERAL NEEDS IN ON THIS!!



IT ALL VANISHES BELOW!! 

DONT BELIEVE THE SLICK CAMPAIGN ADS... WANT TO KILL SOMEBODY IN A HIT AND RUN?  THE DA HAS YOUR BACK!




JOEY COLEMAN:  KILLED IN AUGUST
DA RESPONSE: NOTHING

WNEP TV  HERE


LARRY HERBERT:  KILLED IN AUGUST
DA RESPONSE: NOTHING


Picture unavailable; stock photo of another veteran used.

WNEP TV  HERE


Becca McCallick:  KILLED IN LAST YEAR
DA RESPONSE: NOTHING



Loughnane; the alleged killer
Loughnane's truck

Judge Michael Vough threw this evidence out... which brings into question his finances and who he is answering to.

You will be hearing more about this Judge. I promise you.

Vough and Salavantis have helped helping Atty Olszewski and the killer Loughnane in very suspicious ways.

Olzewski seems to get an unfair amount of breaks!!

WNEP TV HERE  for 9 videos

TOMORROW...
A CASE THAT WILL BLOW YOU AWAY









Saturday, September 26, 2015

WB TRUTH ENDORSES FRANK SORICK FOR W-B MAYOR

Current behavior is the best indicator of future results. After reading this post I am sure you will be convinced that not only does Frank Sorick have more ability to be Mayor but more importantly - he has three times the fire and energy that Tony George has. 


Frank Sorick

Please note that Frank Sorick has kept EVERY PROMISE as a candidate in running a scrupulously honest campaign.
I am sad to say Tony George has not.

THE FIRST BROKEN PROMISE happened quickly after Tony George and Frank Sorick agreed to keep the costs down.





WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?
A) Tony George hired George Brown's (opponent in primary) campaign manager.
B) Invitations were sent out to George Brown's "people"... even George Brown's mother... for a dinner.
C) The dinner was a typical $250 "pay to play" dinner which included local contractors.
I ask you - how good do you feel knowing that contracts have been potentially bought already... from companies that may not give the best service or charge a fair price?

FRANK SORICK HAS PROMISED NOTHING TO ANYBODY!

HE HAS NOT ACCEPTED ANY MONEY FOR THESE DEALS WHICH ARE "BRIBES IN DISGUISE."

Tony George has indicated that he will, in effect, maintain Leighton's cabinet. THEN WHY EXACTLY IS HE RUNNING? 

Doesn't "pay for play" and keeping Leighton's cabinet sound like the way it has always been done? It is amazing how Tony George imitates what he has been complaining about.

Mind you... Frank Sorick will NOT clear out city hall... but a city spokesman for a town of $38,000 is clearly a luxury item. And paying over $80,000 for a landscsaper turned city manager is nuts. Frank Sorick is deaf to the sounds of "Dessoye" and "Mericle" and "Barrouk." 

TIMES THEY WILL BE A-CHANGING!!

Tony George, in a show of sheer arrogance (he hasn't won yet), has said he has met with "lawmakers." Sounds impressive, huh? Until you know the names are Cartwright, Pashinski, and Yudichak. Gee whiz... am I supposed to be impressed? Are you?

You see, Frank is brave. He is not impressed with the old way of doing things. He - by far- has been the most aggressive anti-corruption and pro Wilkes-Barre advocate the last 5 years. Of course he will work with lawmakers... but he won't flaunt their names as a campaign tactic.

Please see these candidates clearly. Tony George is leaving the grave yard of retired police chiefs - security at a school. In this case, a vo-tech school. A sleepy and lazy job if there ever was one. 

Vo-Tech

Ten years. And he will be collecting two pensions. Besides law enforcement... what does he really bring to this job?

Consider who is stronger in the following areas. But before I do... it is important to note that Frank Sorick has always filled a bedroom in his house with someone without a place to stay. How many people are this generous?

Business          Frank Sorick
Legal               Frank Sorick (para legal work)
Real Estate      Frank Sorick (owns company)
Budgeting       Frank Sorick
Marketing       Frank Sorick
Finance           Frank Sorick
Speaking         Frank Sorick
Accounting     Frank Sorick
TECHNOLOGY =  Tony George is so far behind will he need to add to the city payroll? I don't think he uses facebook.

I have no doubt that Frank Sorick is capable of selecting and honest and aggressive police chief. A newspaper article was posted that claimed Tony George (when Chief) waved off arrests to cut down on paperwork. It is now 12 years later. Do we expect more energy from him.

I do appreciate that Tony George stood up to most corruption... but so did I... and Frank Sorick. And we weren't getting paid as Council members. I believe in my heart and head that Frank Sorick is the best man for the job. It really isn't close.



TIMES LEADER

W-B FACES ARRESTING VERBAL WAR
POLICE CHIEF SAYS THERE'S NO TRUTH TO COMMENTS MADE BY DOWNTOWN COUPLE, WHO SAY COPS TOLD THEM THEY'RE TO KEEP ARRESTS DOWN DUE TO PAPERWORK.

By STEVE MOCARSKY smocarsky@leader.net  

Times Leader

Monday, February 10, 2003     Page: 3A

WILKES-BARRE - City Police Chief Tony George on Sunday denied that he told officers not to make many arrests in downtown Wilkes-Barre. 
    Downtown residents Steve and Mary Saive said last week that officers told them ``off the record'' that they were ordered not to make many arrests to save on paperwork. 
    George said those remarks are either ``fabricated'' or officers just didn't want to make arrests, because they were ``protecting'' someone such as a friend or family member of theirs, or of a council member, who was patronizing a prostitute. 
    The chief also suggested that officers whom he disciplined might have made such statements in retaliation. 
    ``There were several officers disciplined in the last year. I'm not well liked in the department, but I work for the citizens of the city. (Some officers) make $50,000, $60,000 now, but don't think they have to earn their money. They have to do their jobs, maybe that's why they're upset,'' George said. 
    George also said there was ``no way'' his captains would give orders not to make arrests. 
    The Saives, who own an apartment building on West Ross Street, are circulating a petition seeking state help patrolling downtown. They have told City Council in recent weeks that officers rarely respond to prostitution and drug-dealing calls in a timely fashion and rarely make an arrest when they do show up. 
    Councilwoman Kathy Kane and Council President Mike McGinley have said they support the petition. 
    George said he received a letter from McGinley about two weeks ago asking about orders not to make arrests. 
    The chief said he responded that there are reports on every incident and officers are required to make an arrest if evidence supports one. He said he requested from council the names of officers who said they were given such orders so he could investigate, but he received no response. 
    Neither Kane nor McGinley could be reached Sunday for comment. However, Kane had said officers are afraid to speak out because of retaliation from Mayor Tom McGroarty. 
    McGroarty said he doesn't want ``to get down in the sewers'' with someone who would make an ``undignified'' comment like that that may be ``politically motivated.'' 
    McGroarty noted recent prostitution stings city police conducted with state police netted only one arrest. ``Would the state police not make arrests because of paperwork?'' McGroarty said. 
    The mayor also said officers' supposed remarks to the Saives don't make sense. He said arresting officers are the ones who do the paperwork, not supervisors or the chief, so they would have no reason to give such orders. 
    Steve Saive said he doesn't blame the police. ``They try to balance their priorities. They say, `We could take them in, but if something more serious happens in this block, you have to fend for themselves until someone can get here.' '' 
    Mary Saive said officers told her they were tired of arresting prostitutes ``and seeing them the next day because the magistrate would let them go.'' 
    McGroarty said if a police officer didn't make an arrest when warranted, the complainant should report the officer to the chief and the officer should be given the opportunity to correct his behavior. 
    Mary Saive said McGroarty was ``putting a happy face on a problem that's been here for a long time.'' 
    George also defended the department's downtown crime-fighting and crime-prevention efforts. He said an officer on horseback and an anti-crime unit car patrol the area regularly in addition to an area patrol car. He said crime has significantly decreased there during the last few years and four prostitutes were arrested in the past month. 
    But the Saives still think police aren't doing enough. 
    Mary Saive said police should arrest on suspicion of drunken driving a ``john'' who picks up a prostitute in his car when police stop to talk to the driver and smell alcohol on his breath. She said officers tell her they can't unless they have probable cause for a DUI stop. 
    George said officers must operate by the rules of criminal procedure. He added that police can't arrest a known prostitute just for walking down the street. 
    ``This isn't a police state, which I guess those people on South Franklin Street want,'' George said. 
    George confirmed that police do know many prostitutes by name. But that's because they arrested the prostitutes numerous times, not because they're friends with them. 
    George said police tell people they see loitering to move along. If police see the person loitering again, the person can be cited for defiant trespass. 
    But police can't arrest someone for loitering on the word of a citizen unless the complainant is willing to testify, George said. ``Usually, they don't want to get involved. That leaves our hands tied.'' 
    Steve Mocarsky, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 459-2005. 

Read more: http://archive.timesleader.com/2003/2003_03/2003_02_10_W_B_FACES_ARRESTING_VERBAL_WAR_POLICE_CHIEF_SAYS_THERE_S_NO_TRUT.html#ixzz3muXQomXZ