Judge: Defamation Verdict Against 'Wilkes-Barre Citizens Voice' Was Tainted

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By: A $3.5 million defamation verdict against a Pennsylvania newspaper was tainted by the misconduct of two judges at the center of an unrelated corruption case, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Lehigh County Court Judge William Platt recommended the state Supreme Court throw out the verdict against the Wilkes-Barre Citizens Voice and order a new trial.

The high court appointed Platt to review the newspaper's claim that corruption was involved in the handling of the suit, filed against it by businessman Thomas Joseph and one of his companies. The newspaper contended the verdict was fixed by reputed mobster William D'Elia and former Luzerne County Court Judges Michael T. Conahan and Mark A. Ciavarella Jr.

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