Latest news with #CommonPleas
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
Murder trial for 'El Diablo' begins with opening statements
Jun. 11—Antonio Riano does not deny he shot Benjamin Becarra outside a Hamilton bar 20 years ago. But his defense attorneys this week will try to prove he did it in self defense. The murder trial for Riano, also known as 'El Diablo,' began today with opening statements after jurors were chosen Tuesday in a Butler County Common Pleas courtroom. The prosecution said the 63-year-old Mexican national said he ruthlessly shot the 25-year-old Becarra in the face on Dec. 19, 2024, with a .38 Smith & Wesson. The defense said Riano was at a breaking point, claiming he and his family were terrorized by the man he shot. Assistant prosecutor Michael Hon led the proceedings Wednesday with his opening statement before a jury of 12 and two alternates. The facts show that the two men were at the Round House Bar on East Avenue and Long Street. Riano was inside when Becarra walked through a door off Long Street. An argument ensued, which had continued outside the bar. Hon said Riano fired a shot into the ground, and Becarra told a cousin to call 911. Then Riano walked away, but turned back, and they continued arguing. A bystander from the bar stood between the two men, but Hon said Riano pulled out his gun, stretched his arm over that bystander, and shot Becarra in the face. Defense attorney Kara Blackney said the shooting was in self-defense, and told the jury her client had "enough." She said Becarra and his friends terrorized him and his family — he had a wife and three children under 10 at the time — and allegedly attacked his younger brother. "Antonio wasn't going to the Round House Bar looking for a fight," Blackney said, adding his "El Diablo" nickname stems from volunteer work for his church as a teenager. "The fight found him." Blackney said the shooting happened mid-afternoon on Dec. 19, 2004, and Becarra said his blood-alcohol level was three times the legal limit and tested positive for cocaine. She was also told he was not permitted in that bar, as well as others, due to a fight the day prior. Hon told the jurors that the evidence presented and the witnesses called "may seem out of order to you," mostly in part due to navigating schedules and travel of witnesses, "it will all come together at the end." Butler County authorities worked the case for two decades with federal authorities to bring Riano back to Hamilton on the murder charge. According to Blackney, Riano fled Hamilton, going to New Jersey before heading to Mexico, where he had lived for the past 20 years, including working as a police officer in his hometown. Riano was indicted on the murder charge in February 2005. He was extradited back to the United States with the help of the U.S. Marshals Office and other authorities on Aug. 1.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Five candidates emerge as sole candidate for November district judge races
WINDBER – Of the two women who sought to fill a district judgeship in Windber, Kayla Kormanik-Lucas emerged the lone candidate after the primary election Tuesday, unofficial election results show. Kormanik-Lucas, of Ogle Township, advances to the Nov. 4 general election unopposed: she sailed through the Republican primary as the only candidate on the ballot and defeated local attorney Amy Thomas, of Paint Township, in the Democratic primary Tuesday. Candidates are permitted to cross-file for the seat, which has a six-year term. Kormanik-Lucas won 582 votes to Thomas' 279 votes in the Democratic primary. She also won 1,417 votes on the Republican side, where she was uncontested. 'I'm honored that the people of my district trust me to move forward on both sides of the ticket,' said Kormanik- Lucas, a Widener Law School graduate who works as a contract administrator for a local defense firm. She said her victory Tuesday was the culmination of several months of hard work. 'I made an honest run with integrity,' she said. 'I met people (Tuesday) at the polls. It was great to see people come out.' After the November election, Kormanik-Lucas will serve in the judge's seat, serving communities in the Windber Area and Shade-Central City school districts, succeeding District Judge William Seger, who is retiring at the end of the year. The Windber-based district judge seat includes communities in the Windber Area and Shade-Central City school districts. 'I have always felt called to public service,' she said. Thomas said she was thankful to her supporters, but disappointed in recent TV news coverage of the race. 'First and foremost, l'm incredibly grateful to everyone who supported me in this race,' Thomas said. 'Unfortunately, this race was never just about qualifications – it became clear early on that I was also up against media bias and misinformation. The coverage I received was often one-sided and failed to reflect the truth about my record and my character. 'I've overcome significant personal challenges and was fully cleared of past accusations, yet that didn't seem to matter to those determined to discredit me,' she said. 'Despite the loss, I remain committed to serving this community and will continue looking for ways to make a meaningful, positive impact. This was just one chapter – not the end of the story.' A New Centerville judge's seat, in Somerset's District 16-3-05, also had two challengers – both cross-filed – with one winner on both tickets. Patrick Svonavec, of Milford Township, secured that primary victory Tuesday over Daniel Lewis, of Confluence Borough. Svonavec is a longtime attorney with experience practicing at the Common Pleas and federal court levels. Lewis is a longtime state constable in the region. Svonavec won 191 Democratic votes to Lewis' 100. On the Republican ticket, Svonavec won 596 votes to Lewis' 473. District 16-3-05 includes the townships of Black, Jefferson, Milford, Middlecreek, Upper and Lower Turkeyfoot and Casselman, Confluence, New Centerville, Rockwood, Seven Springs and Ursina boroughs. The office was previously held by Sandra Stevanus, who retired last year. In Cambria County, two men sought election to District 47-3-01, which has been held by longtime District Judge Mary Ann Zanghi. William 'Bill' Hines Jr., of Nanty Glo, a longtime law enforcement officer now working as a Cambria County detective, won the primary on both party tickets. His opponent, Aaron Ling, of East Conemaugh, is a former Cambria County public defender who has worked as a full-time assistant prosecutor with the Somerset County District Attorney's Office since 2020. Hines won 779 votes on the Democratic ballot to Ling's 401. On the Republican side, Hines won 958 votes to Ling's 422 votes. District 47-3-01 includes Browns- town, East Conemaugh, Franklin, Nanty Glo and Franklin, in addition to the townships of East Taylor, Jackson, Lower Yoder, Middle Taylor and West Taylor. For Cambria County judge, District Attorney Greg Neugebauer cruised through unopposed primary on both tickets for the position. He won 9,851 votes on the Republican ticket and 7,980 votes on the Democratic ticket. In November, he is seeking a seat that has been vacant since former Judge David Tulowitzki retired in 2023. In Somerset County, District Attorney Molly Metzgar also ran unopposed in her Republican bid for a county judge seat vacated in late 2023 by former President Judge Gregory Geary. Metzgar, of Somerset Township, won 7,359 votes Tuesday on the Republican ticket. Russ O'Reilly is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat.
CBS News
30-04-2025
- CBS News
Philadelphia judge faces ethics complaint over role in wife's cheesesteak shop
A Philadelphia judge's role in a cheesesteak shop owned by his wife has prompted a panel to allege he's violated the state's ethics rules. The Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board on Tuesday filed a complaint against Common Pleas Judge Scott DiClaudio over Shay's Steaks, a high-end cheesesteak restaurant that opened more than a year ago a few blocks from city hall. "This complaint is such a farce," DiClaudio, who is acting as his own lawyer, said in a phone interview Tuesday evening. "People do not come to Shay's because a judge may make their cheesesteak." "I have a support role, which I'm permitted to have," he said. In a podcast interview cited by the board, DiClaudio discussed decisions about pricing, ingredients, salary levels for employees and competing restaurants. "I don't mind charging $19, because I'm giving you a better quality steak," DiClaudio said on the podcast. Lately, he said, health issues and the demands of having a young child have limited his time in the business. As a criminal court judge, his focus these days is on court actions filed by defendants after they have been convicted. The Judicial Conduct Board investigates and prosecutes possible instances of judge misconduct in Pennsylvania. The case will be heard by the Court of Judicial Discipline. The board complaint notes that news coverage of the restaurant in Philadelphia, where cheesesteaks are the subject of perpetual public interest, has noted he is a judge. One story referred to him as "whiz honor" — a reference to the use of Cheez Whiz on some cheesesteaks. If anything, DiClaudio said, his role in the restaurant may be improving the image of judges in the minds of his fellow Philadelphians, giving them "confidence in the judiciary — that we're not all robots." Shay's Steaks is named for his late mother and the luncheonette his parents ran for more than two decades in South Philly. The complaint references several news stories about the restaurant that describe him as a judge. "I had no idea what they were going to write," DiClaudio said. "I had no say in the editing process until I saw it myself." He noted a sign at the restaurant states Jackee DiClaudio is the owner — the couple lives in the same building as the restaurant. He said Shay's Steaks has never used an image of him in judicial robes or described him as a judge in advertising materials. He says he's never been paid for his work there, and that the profits go to his wife. DiClaudio is accused of falling short of a requirement that judges always act in a way that promotes public confidence in the independence, integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. Another allegation is that he violated a rule that judges "not abuse the prestige of judicial office to advance the personal or economic interests of the judge or others, or allow others to do so." County judges such as DiClaudio may not have other employment that would in any way interfere with their judicial duties and responsibilities, said Sam Stretton, a prominent judicial ethics lawyer. He has represented DiClaudio in the past, and may again in the current matter. "He's very proud of his wife and what she's doing there," Stretton said. "Sure, he gives input but I don't see that as being prohibited. The issue he's got to deal with is: Is there self-promotion here?" Complicating the case is that DiClaudio is currently on probation under a decision by the Court of Judicial Discipline that involved tax liens and an unpaid bill. He was found to have not acknowledged debt on his financial disclosure forms and did not obey court orders, leading to repeated contempt citations against him, the court said. He was suspended without pay for two weeks, so in order to qualify for a pension and retiree health care he needs to serve two additional weeks after his term expires in January 2026. A Democrat, he is seeking retention to another 10-year term. If he wins retention he says he is considering retiring early next year.
30-04-2025
Philly judge faces ethics complaint over role in wife's cheesesteak shop
A Philadelphia judge's role in a cheesesteak shop owned by his wife has prompted a panel to allege he's violated the state's ethics rules. The Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board on Tuesday filed a complaint against Common Pleas Judge Scott DiClaudio over Shay's Steaks, a high-end cheesesteak restaurant that opened more than a year ago a few blocks from city hall. 'This complaint is such a farce,' DiClaudio, who is acting as his own lawyer, said in a phone interview Tuesday evening. 'People do not come to Shay's because a judge may make their cheesesteak.' 'I have a support role, which I'm permitted to have,' he said. In a podcast interview cited by the board, DiClaudio discussed decisions about pricing, ingredients, salary levels for employees and competing restaurants. 'I don't mind charging $19, because I'm giving you a better quality steak,' DiClaudio said on the podcast. Lately, he said, health issues and the demands of having a young child have limited his time in the business. As a criminal court judge, his focus these days is on court actions filed by defendants after they have been convicted. The Judicial Conduct Board investigates and prosecutes possible instances of judge misconduct in Pennsylvania. The case will be heard by the Court of Judicial Discipline. The board complaint notes that news coverage of the restaurant in Philadelphia, where cheesesteaks are the subject of perpetual public interest, has noted he is a judge. One story referred to him as 'whiz honor' — a reference to the use of Cheez Whiz on some cheesesteaks. If anything, DiClaudio said, his role in the restaurant may be improving the image of judges in the minds of his fellow Philadelphians, giving them 'confidence in the judiciary — that we're not all robots.' Shay's Steaks is named for his late mother and the luncheonette his parents ran for more than two decades in South Philly. The complaint references several news stories about the restaurant that describe him as a judge. 'I had no idea what they were going to write," DiClaudio said. "I had no say in the editing process until I saw it myself.' He noted a sign at the restaurant states Jackee DiClaudio is the owner — the couple lives in the same building as the restaurant. He said Shay's Steaks has never used an image of him in judicial robes or described him as a judge in advertising materials. He says he's never been paid for his work there, and that the profits go to his wife. DiClaudio is accused of falling short of a requirement that judges always act in a way that promotes public confidence in the independence, integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. Another allegation is that he violated a rule that judges 'not abuse the prestige of judicial office to advance the personal or economic interests of the judge or others, or allow others to do so.' County judges such as DiClaudio may not have other employment that would in any way interfere with their judicial duties and responsibilities, said Sam Stretton, a prominent judicial ethics lawyer. He has represented DiClaudio in the past, and may again in the current matter. 'He's very proud of his wife and what she's doing there,' Stretton said. 'Sure, he gives input but I don't see that as being prohibited. The issue he's got to deal with is: Is there self-promotion here?' Complicating the case is that DiClaudio is currently on probation under a decision by the Court of Judicial Discipline that involved tax liens and an unpaid bill. He was found to have not acknowledged debt on his financial disclosure forms and did not obey court orders, leading to repeated contempt citations against him, the court said. He was suspended without pay for two weeks, so in order to qualify for a pension and retiree health care he needs to serve two additional weeks after his term expires in January 2026. A Democrat, he is seeking retention to another 10-year term. If he wins retention he says he is considering retiring early next year.
San Francisco Chronicle
30-04-2025
- San Francisco Chronicle
Philly judge faces ethics complaint over role in wife's cheesesteak shop
A Philadelphia judge's role in a cheesesteak shop owned by his wife has prompted a panel to allege he's violated the state's ethics rules. The Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board on Tuesday filed a complaint against Common Pleas Judge Scott DiClaudio over Shay's Steaks, a high-end cheesesteak restaurant that opened more than a year ago a few blocks from city hall. 'This complaint is such a farce,' DiClaudio, who is acting as his own lawyer, said in a phone interview Tuesday evening. 'People do not come to Shay's because a judge may make their cheesesteak.' 'I have a support role, which I'm permitted to have,' he said. In a podcast interview cited by the board, DiClaudio discussed decisions about pricing, ingredients, salary levels for employees and competing restaurants. 'I don't mind charging $19, because I'm giving you a better quality steak,' DiClaudio said on the podcast. Lately, he said, health issues and the demands of having a young child have limited his time in the business. As a criminal court judge, his focus these days is on court actions filed by defendants after they have been convicted. The Judicial Conduct Board investigates and prosecutes possible instances of judge misconduct in Pennsylvania. The case will be heard by the Court of Judicial Discipline. The board complaint notes that news coverage of the restaurant in Philadelphia, where cheesesteaks are the subject of perpetual public interest, has noted he is a judge. One story referred to him as 'whiz honor' — a reference to the use of Cheez Whiz on some cheesesteaks. If anything, DiClaudio said, his role in the restaurant may be improving the image of judges in the minds of his fellow Philadelphians, giving them 'confidence in the judiciary — that we're not all robots.' Shay's Steaks is named for his late mother and the luncheonette his parents ran for more than two decades in South Philly. The complaint references several news stories about the restaurant that describe him as a judge. 'I had no idea what they were going to write," DiClaudio said. "I had no say in the editing process until I saw it myself.' He noted a sign at the restaurant states Jackee DiClaudio is the owner — the couple lives in the same building as the restaurant. He said Shay's Steaks has never used an image of him in judicial robes or described him as a judge in advertising materials. He says he's never been paid for his work there, and that the profits go to his wife. DiClaudio is accused of falling short of a requirement that judges always act in a way that promotes public confidence in the independence, integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. Another allegation is that he violated a rule that judges 'not abuse the prestige of judicial office to advance the personal or economic interests of the judge or others, or allow others to do so.' County judges such as DiClaudio may not have other employment that would in any way interfere with their judicial duties and responsibilities, said Sam Stretton, a prominent judicial ethics lawyer. He has represented DiClaudio in the past, and may again in the current matter. 'He's very proud of his wife and what she's doing there,' Stretton said. 'Sure, he gives input but I don't see that as being prohibited. The issue he's got to deal with is: Is there self-promotion here?' Complicating the case is that DiClaudio is currently on probation under a decision by the Court of Judicial Discipline that involved tax liens and an unpaid bill. He was found to have not acknowledged debt on his financial disclosure forms and did not obey court orders, leading to repeated contempt citations against him, the court said. He was suspended without pay for two weeks, so in order to qualify for a pension and retiree health care he needs to serve two additional weeks after his term expires in January 2026. A Democrat, he is seeking retention to another 10-year term. If he wins retention he says he is considering retiring early next year.
