Posted on 04/08/2010 7:06:17 PM PDT by Born Conservative
Federal agents spent three hours searching the Pittston Township home of state Sen. Raphael Musto today, removing a satellite radio and other items from two vehicles after taking photographs.
Musto theorized the agents, who were armed with a search warrant, might have been acting on information provided to them as part of a wide-ranging public corruption probe that has led to nearly 30 arrests in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties since January 2009.
The 81-year-old Democrat said today was his first contact with federal agents. He said he did not ask them the reason for the search, telling them: “You have your job to do. Do whatever you need to do...
“The very fact that they were here today – there are many questions. I have as many questions as anyone else,” Musto said after the agents had left around 4 p.m. “There was no reason to check my house.”
FBI spokesman J.J. Klaver acknowledged that agents from the federal law-enforcement agency were involved in the search, but declined further comment. The U.S. Attorney’s Office declined comment.
At least four agents were involved in the search. Two of them photographed a silver Toyota Camry and black Lexus parked in Musto's driveway and removed items from each vehicle, placing them in plastic evidence bags.
Agents also carried items stored in at least three black plastic garbage bags from the home and placed them in one of the federal vehicles.
Musto said the agents removed a Sirius satellite radio from his Lexus, but he didn’t know what other items were removed from his property.
Musto has been a member of the state Senate for 27 years. He served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1980 after serving nearly a decade in the state House.
Musto announced earlier this year that he would not seek re-election this year.
Musto represented Luzerne and Lackawanna counties, both of which are under major FBI investigations of corruption (e.g. Kids for Cash). Musto's brother Joseph is a judge in Luzerne County, and another relative, Jackie Musto Carroll is the Luzerne County DA (neither have been implicated in anything).
More potential NEPA corruption about to be uncovered?
Why would they seize a satellite radio?
Illegal gift/bribe?
It was possibly an after-market installed gift item.
If that's the best bribe he could get, then...
It’s a crime to listen to Howard Stern! Really for sure!
These are very Sirius events!
LOL!
WTF? Somebody watching too much "Hogan's Heroes" down there at the PD while waiting for the 911 phone to ring?
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