Extortion, money laundering, fraud being explored

Recently retired state Sen. Robert Mellow (D-Lackawanna) is under investigation by a federal grand jury in Scranton for alleged extortion, money laundering and fraud, according to an opinion released by the federal Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

The court’s record confirms suspicions surrounding Mr. Mellow since FBI agents searched his home and regional office in Peckville last June. He retired on Nov. 30 after 40 years in office, on a state pension in excess of $300,000 per year.

The Third Circuit information became public after Mr. Mellow, charging illegal search and seizure, demanded material and equipment taken in the June FBI raids be returned. The court denied his request.

The federal government said Mr. Mellow’s demands would have allowed him to find out the names of witnesses and enable him to suppress evidence.

It was reported newly elected state Rep. Sid Michaels Kavulich (D- Lackawanna) had been subpoenaed to testify before the Mellow grand jury. Mr. Kavulich was employed by Senate Democrats in their communications office prior to his election in November.

The investigation of Mr. Mellow adds to the cloud of suspicion hovering over the upper chamber of the General Assembly.

State Sen. Raphael Musto, a Democrat from neighboring Luzerne County, retired at the same time as Mr. Mellow and is currently awaiting trial on charges of public corruption and taking kickbacks.

State Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) is currently standing trial in Allegheny County for allegedly using taxpayer resources for her political campaigns and those of her sister, state Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie-Melvin. Justice Orie-Melvin is under investigation by another Pittsburgh grand jury.

In June 2009, former state Sen. Vincent J. Fumo (D-Philadelphia) was convicted of 137 counts of public corruption and is currently serving a 55-month term in a Kentucky federal prison.