Pasonick gets 1 year in bribery case

SCRANTON — Despite appeals regarding his health and that of his wife, statements from three Russian Orthodox clerics, and mention of his own plans to earn a doctor of theology, local engineer Michael J. Pasonick was sentenced to one year prison, a $250,0000 fine and two years probation on federal charges he bribed a school board official.

U.S. District Judge Richard P. Conaboy acknowledged all the good Pasonick has done, including recently opening a food pantry he plans to turn into a soup kitchen, but called his actions “reprehensible.” Conaboy also cited Pasonick’s cooperation with federal authorities in landing “seven or eight” convictions of public officials,” but noted “you were not charged for much of your questionable conduct.”

Though Pasonick’s attorney Joseph Sklarosky asked for probation, Conaboy countered that even this sentence was far less than it could have been. The orginal charges had a maximum of 10 years and $250,000 fine. The initial sentencing report recommended 18 to 24 months. Government attorneys had sought reductions for Pasonick’s cooporation and admission of guilt, which was granted, bringing the recommended range to 6 to 12 months.

Conaboy said Pasonick had accumulated a great deal of wealth, making him capable of paying a high fine, and added that “You created some of that wealth because of the horrible things you did.”

Pasonick pleaded guilty to the federal corruption charges in May of 2011. He has also been implicated, but not charged, in bribery cases involving other public officials found guilty of corruption, including former Llackawanna County majority commissioners Robert Cordaro and A.J.Munchak.