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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
From: Chester B. Muroski, President Judge on behalf of all members
of the 11th Judicial District of Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas of
Luzerne County
MEDIA RELEASE: August 28, 2009
The Court has received a copy of the draft audit report of the
Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare concerning the Guardian Ad Litem
services prepared by Division of Audit and Review and is preparing to
address recommendations. Two Judges are unavailable and will not be available
until next week.
The Court had concerns with the overlapping extent of Attorney Michael
Shucosky’s responsibilities and on June 24, 2009, he was limited
to being a Mental Health Hearing Officer on an alternating basis with
Attorney Joseph Giovannini, who held that position in the past. Today
the Court is appointing Attorney Giovannini as Mental Health Hearing Officer
with responsibility for all hearings.
The Court en banc will meet next week to consider corrective procedures
regarding the alleged irregular practices established by prior administrations.
Attorney Shucosky and Acting District Court Administrator Mulroy will
be given an opportunity to respond in writing to the factual allegations
and recommendations contained in the audit.
Lastly, there has been an inquiry from the press as to whether Guardianship
estates have been reviewed to ensure the filing of yearly reports by the
Guardian of the Estate of Incapacitated persons as required by statute.
This matter is under review and it is anticipated that a full report will
be ready for the next meeting of the Court en banc.
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Luzerne
County Courts 
