RSS | 
Twitter
| 
Be a fan!
Grand jury selection to begin
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.
Rate This Story:
1 the lowest - 5 the highest
Current rating:
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.
Grand Jury!!!!! : 6/2/2009
Are we going to decide these cases on the basis of the evidence, or are we going to use that new Judge Sotomayor method of "TOUCHY FEELYISM"...
Un-Grand Jury : 6/2/2009
Since I can't comment on the poll anymore (Boo Hiss), I'll comment here. Why would anyone, other for "civic duty" want to do this? Unless they were unemployed and it was too early to sell their blood again.
Grand-standing : 6/2/2009
More grandstanding from Steve Toprani. I'm semi-surprised that O'Dell Seneca bought into this but, then again, she's also not shy about empty gestures. Washington County politics...
Aid to the justice system : 6/2/2009
I think that the grand jury system is a great thing, maybe we can get some of the criminals in jail where they belong, why was this not done before now? and why has the comment poll been stopped?
observer distorter : 6/2/2009
im not surprised this paper has not printed one comment in favor of the jury,, i have left two comments in favor of what DA toprani is trying to do,,,why would the paper print anything in favor of toprani,,this group would not endorse the new DA,,,,,why want any change,, they would be happy with john pettit setting people up, making people lie in a courtroom,,,and visting our local prostitutes,, the distorter is whats wrong in washington co,,
Grand jury : 6/2/2009
Which one of the ADAs actually did the work and wrote the brief? We all know it wasn't the DA. He's too busy trying playing politics with his twin/buddy, the big whales in the pond of Wasington County.
GRAND JURY : 6/2/2009
WAY TO GO MR. TOPRANI yOU HAVE MY SUPPORT! LETS SIT BACK WASHINGTON COUNTY AND WATCH SOME HEADS ROLL.BUT IT IS SAD THAT IT IS NOT PAYING WHAT IS EARNED.
Grand jury : 6/2/2009
I would love to respond to the above three comments, but the writers just proved you can't fix stupid.
Grand jury : 6/3/2009
My comment regarding the "you can't fix stupid" was run out of order: It pertains to the first three posters. Makes me wonder if this was intentional. Sounds like Toprani has some people nervous about the investigation. Maybe they or someone in their family is under the looking glass. Thanks for doing your job Steve.
To: Enough is enough : 6/3/2009
Who gives a royal crap who wrote the brief!!!!! If it weren't for TOPRANI there would be No investigation. This certainly wouldn't have been happening during the Pettit regime. But, maybe you are confused because you live in a different county---"Wasington." I personally reside in "Washington" County where the new DA is cleaning up the corruption. Sorry you can't see it because you are blinded by the ax you are grinding because he's in office. Jealous perhaps?
Censorship : 6/3/2009
The problem for the O-R is that they censor comments that are not libelous, but to control the outcome. The result is increased distrust in their online product. Not surprising givnen their support of old Johnny Boy. Yesterday when the story was fresh, they kept the three negative. Luckily, you are being watched and commented on by other sources. The truth is out there and it ain't you guys.
bottom line! : 6/4/2009
cretain police officers have continued to tramp on the rights of citizens,,,criminials refuse to testify in shootings,, drug cases,,thanks to toprani and the big whale at the DA,s offices ,,the big fish are about to get caught ,,and cooked,,,no longer are ,,,i refuse to testify ,going to happen,,which makes washington co safer,,,,,police officers who break the law by sending untruthful documents will think twice
