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Concert Listings: May 15 to 21, 2015

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St. Joseph Marello Knights of Columbus host Children’s Safety Fair in Pittston

A local attorney has had his law license suspended for five years over personal use of more than $105,000 from an escrow account.The decision against Charles Pedri, 63, of Hazleton, was handed down Thursday by the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. It takes effect June 13.The money in question was to be held by Pedri in escrow for developer Hazle Spindle, LLC, in his capacity as Hazle Township solicitor.Pedri repaid the funds, court documents indicate.Township supervisors suspended Pedri in January. According to a resolution passed at that time, lawmakers said they learned that $105,586 that Pedri was to have held in escrow and paid to Hazle Spindle LLC upon completion of a contract was not paid and was missing.The board repeatedly asked Charles Pedri to make immediate payment, but he unlawfully failed to do so, making the Board of Supervisors liable to make such payment from township funds, the resolution stated.The board voted to suspend Pedri without pay and benefits, to take steps to recover the money with interest and penalties, to find out if Pedri is involved in any other such matters with the township and to refer the matter to the district attorney for investigation.Charles Pedri at that time faxed a written statement to the Times Leader stating that the matter resulted from &#8220;a misunderstanding&#8221; and &#8220;errors made by his office,&#8221; which he deeply regretted, and that the money had been repaid.The disciplinary board confirmed repayment of the funds.According to the board, Pedri was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar on Oct. 27, 1976.

Hazleton attorney Charles Pedri suspended for 5 years