Philly Traffic Court So Corrupt They Removed the Judge

[TurboDan]

Saw this on the news tonight:

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=8472878

PHILADELPHIA - December 19, 2011 (WPVI) -- The state Supreme Court says the corruption is so rampant in the Philadelphia Traffic Court that it's time for a completely fresh start.

"The practice of accepting external requests for favorable treatment was so prevailing that it has become institutionalized," said Chief Justice Ron Castille.

In an unprecedented move, the state Supreme Court removed Administrative Judge Michael Sullivan and replaced him with a Common Pleas Court judge.

Chief Justice Castille says ticket fixing for those who are "connected" has become a common practice.

They've ordered all employees to cooperate with an internal investigation and with the FBI.

Action News first reported in September that the FBI raided Judge Sullivan's office, and searched his home.

They seized records from a family owned bar and another taproom.

FBI agents also searched the home of retired Traffic Court Chief Fortunato Perri Sr.

Castille says the practice of fixing tickets for politicians and family ends now.

"Everyone down there knows that it's a different culture we're imposing starting today," he said.

Common Pleas Judge Gary Glazer is now in charge. He met with staff Monday morning and laid down the law.

"We have to bring what I would call culture change to the traffic court. That is my objective," said Judge Glazer.

Sources say the internal investigation will likely lead to more judges and staff being removed.

Judge Castille says the new Traffic Court will be radically different.

"Where everyone has the same opportunity for a fair hearing, and not just the politically connected," Castille said.

There are a lot of nervous politicians right now.

Sources say when this is all over the beneficiaries of the ticket fixing will be named and they include well known figures at all levels of government, federal, state and local.

[dazzleman]

I hope the investigation leads to some reforms.

[AutobahnSHO]

!!!  Wowsers.

I'm sure some people will get busted- but others that were also involved won't be, so eventually it'll creep back to a lower level of whatever was going on before.

[L. ed foote]

I wonder how much of this is or was tied to "Parking Wars"

[TurboDan]

I wonder how much of this is or was tied to "Parking Wars"

Funny you mention that. After I got home from my relatives' house yesterday I noticed a Parking Wars marathon was on. Was thinking the same thing.

[dazzleman]

Funny you mention that. After I got home from my relatives' house yesterday I noticed a Parking Wars marathon was on. Was thinking the same thing.

Dan, you live close enough to Philadelphia that you could trigger a personal experience with the Philly traffic court and report back to us on it....

If you don't do it, Foote should.  You guys could provide invaluable feedback...

[TurboDan]

Dan, you live close enough to Philadelphia that you could trigger a personal experience with the Philly traffic court and report back to us on it....

If you don't do it, Foote should.  You guys could provide invaluable feedback...

Eek! I've never been in an urban courthouse setting, but I can't imagine it's pleasant. It's probably time consuming, overcrowded and anything but user-friendly.

[J86]

yup!