Nearly 200 people will arrive at Washington County Courthouse Friday for consideration to be seated on the county's first investigative grand jury.
A total of 38 jurors, including 23 full-time members and 15 alternates, are needed to sit on the grand jury. Details as to what the grand jury will be responsible for investigating and how often it will meet remain unknown. Grand jury proceedings are confidential.
A grand jury panel serves for 18 months, although extensions can be sought at the end of the term.
The chosen jurors will be paid the normal juror rate of $9 for the first three days of service and $25 per day thereafter, plus mileage.
Court administrator Chris Weller said research was needed for the county to determine the standard rate for a county grand jury. Statewide grand jury members are paid $40 per day, plus mileage and meal stipends.
Weller explained that the county will be responsible for paying the jurors' $9 rate. Once the rate goes to $25 per day, the county is responsible for only 20 percent of the cost, with the remainder being reimbursed by the state, she said.
County director of administration Scott Fergus said while the coffers are tight, the county will find the money needed.
"We're obligated to pay for the grand jury," stated Fergus. "Besides, it's a cheap price to pay to keep law and order in the county and put criminals in jail."
Potential jurors are to report to President Judge Debbie O'Dell Seneca's courtroom at 8:30 a.m. Friday.
O'Dell Seneca approved the formation of the grand jury in April at the request of District Attorney Steven Toprani for the purpose of investigating various criminal activities throughout the county, including public corruption and drug trafficking.
Toprani said the grand jury was needed because county law enforcement has exhausted all appropriate and meaningful law enforcement techniques.
"The ordinary process of law enforcement is currently inadequate to fully cope with the existence and investigation of these criminal activities," Toprani states in his written grand jury application.
He explained that a county investigating grand jury would have the authority to compel witnesses' attendance and testimony under oath; subpoena documents, records and other relevant evidence; compel testimony from witnesses who have been granted immunity; and obtain the initiation of civil and criminal contempt proceedings.
Other than that, Toprani has remained mum on the issue.
According to Pennsylvania law, each investigating grand jury should be composed initially of 23 members and have a minimum of seven and not more than 15 alternates. Subsequent vacancies are to be filled by substituting alternates for members who are excused or unable to continue their service.
Fifteen members constitute a quorum and may conduct business for the investigating grand jury. A majority of the full investigating grand jury is required to adopt a report or issue a presentment.