Attorney: Illegal Search Could Jeopardize Drug Case Against Judge

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Attorneys in the case involving former Washington County Judge Paul Pozonsky argued before a specially-appointed judge from Bedford County about whether current Washington County President Judge Debbie O'Dell-Seneca should be compelled to testify about an order she issued to seize evidence from Pozonsky's chambers.

Defense attorney Robert DelGreco argued that a secret meeting that resulted in her order was an effort to "circumvent the fourth amendment."

He also claims that no search warrant was issued to seize evidence that Pozonsky took drugs from criminal cases, and on that basis he believes the case against Pozonsky should be dismissed.

Visiting Senior Bedford County Judge Daniel Lee Howsare, however, did not rule on the motion to compel Judge O'Dell Seneca's testimony.

Pozonsky is accused of stealing cocaine from evidence cases he presided over, before he abruptly resigned last year.

Pozonsky sat on the bench for nearly 30 years, first as a magistrate and then in Common Pleas Court.

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