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Hazleton man wanted in connection with early morning shooting in the city

New hire by Mayor Tony George not a Wilkes-Barre resident

<p>WILKES-BARRE &#8212; Michael Scavone might soon be in the market for a new lawyer.</p><p>Documents filed Tuesday in Luzerne County Court show Scavone, 50, can no longer bear the costs associated with fighting a homicide charge including retaining his attorney, John B. Pike.</p><p>Scavone is accused of running down 31-year-old Paula Jones last summer as the Factoryville triathlete jogged along Lakeside Drive in Harveys Lake. A blood analysis indicated he had a blood-alcohol level of .214 almost two hours after the crash, police said.</p><p>Pike requested to withdraw as counsel after discussions with Scavone and members of his family, the document says.</p><p>&#8220;It has been determined that the defendant cannot afford private counsel or the costs associated with criminal litigation including but not limited to a private investigator and expert witnesses,&#8221; Pike wrote.</p><p>Scavone appears qualified for representation with the Luzerne County Public Defender&#8217;s Office, Pike wrote.</p><p>Judge David W. Lupas scheduled a hearing on the matter for Friday at 9:30 a.m. A pre-trial conference will be held at the same time, the judge ordered.</p><p>Scavone is charged with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol and seven related charges. He is scheduled to be tried on Feb. 29.</p><p>Scavone remains jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility.</p><style>
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<div class="neCaption">Scavone </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_scavone01.jpg</photo0><caption0>Scavone </caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Joe Dolinsky</p><p>jdolinsky@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Joe Dolinsky at 570-991-6110 or on Twitter @JoeDolinskyTL</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Court documents: Alleged hit-and-run driver Michael Scavone can no longer afford private lawyer