`similarities' Seen In 2 Prescription Drug Deaths 
Law Enforcement Officials 
Gather Wednesday To Scrutinize 
Deaths Of Physicians' Wives

Around Town 
Fund-raising Executives To Meet: The Greater Poconos Northeast Chapter Of The 
National Society Of Fund-raising Executives Will Meet At Noon Jan. 13 At 
Victoria Inns In Pittston.

By CHRIS SCHNEIDMILLER; Times Leader Staff Writer
 Wednesday, January 07, 1998 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 6A 





TUNKHANNOCK- A district justice on Monday dismissed the cases against three
men suspected of trying to defraud two insurance companies of more than
$100,000. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Witnesses' testimony at a preliminary hearing for Albert Serino and
brothers Samuel and Pasquale Marranca did not support the affidavit of
probable cause in several ways. That convinced District Justice Patricia
Robinson there was not enough evidence to uphold the charges. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Based upon the evidence that was presented, I felt that it was an
appropriate decision," said Tunkhannock attorney David Posatko, who
represented Serino. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Prosecutors charged that Serino, of Pittston, had Samuel Marranca of Forty
Fort and Pasquale Marranca of Pittston vandalize sewing machines on Aug. 13,
1994, at his dress factory, Meshoppen Manufacturing Co. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Serino filed loss claims in excess of $100,000 with two insurance
companies. He did not receive the money. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Five counts each of criminal attempt, criminal conspiracy and insurance
fraud were filed against Serino in November. The Marrancas faced four counts
of criminal attempt and criminal conspiracy. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 According to the affidavit of probable cause, Serino told an employee to
turn the factory's security alarm off the day before the break-in. A white van
matching one owned by Pasquale Marranca was seen at the building that day. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 But testimony at the hearing failed to support the affidavit, Posatko said.
Former bookkeeper Jane Fitch said she did not recall being told to turn the
alarm off. The alarm had been off for seven to 10 days due to malfunctions,
the attorney said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 A former U.S. Postal Service employee testified she saw a white truck
rather than a van outside th

Charges Dropped Against Trio Accused Of Insurance Scam 
Testimony Did Not 
Support Men's Involvement 
In 1994 Sewing Machine 
Vandalism At Meshoppen 
Manufacturing Co., Lawyer Says

Charges Dropped Against Trio Accused Of Insurance Scam Testimony Did Not Support Men's Involvement In 1994 Sewing Machine Vandalism At Meshoppen Manufacturing Co., Lawyer Says