WILLIAMSPORT — Former Scranton Mayor Bill Courtright pleaded guilty this morning to three felony counts of criminal conspiracy, bribery and extortion.
Courtright was arraigned on the corruption charges that stem from an ongoing FBI investigation dating back to at least 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Consiglio read a statement of facts, with evidence prosecutors would have presented had the case gone to trial.
Consiglio related a recorded telephone conversation between the Courtright and developer Arthur Russo, a friend and supporter of the former mayor, Chris Doherty.
In the conversation, Russo apologized for not being able able to attend the Courtright's 2017 inaugural party. Courtright told Russo: “I don't worry about you coming, I worry about the money,” according to Consiglio.
Courtright arrived with his attorney, Paul Walker, shortly after 8 a.m. at the federal courthouse in Williamsport.
In a criminal information made public Monday, federal authorities charged that Courtright directed unnamed city representatives to hold up licenses, permits or contracts to extort cash and campaign contributions from entities doing business in or with the city. The corruption began as soon as Courtright took office in 2014.
Tens of thousands of dollars were kept in a safe in his West Mountain home.
Courtright will be sentenced Nov. 15. He was released on his own recognizance.
Later today in Scranton, authorities will hold a press conference on the case.
Courtright resigned from office shortly before the accusations became public.
The accusations were made public Monday in a federal charging document called a criminal information and its companion plea agreement.
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