11 Jan FBI Raided Mayor Courtright’s Home

Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Wednesday raided both City Hall and the private home of Mayor Bill Courtright, authorities have confirmed to the Scranton Times-Tribune.

A spokesperson for the FBI refused to comment on an ongoing investigation and Courtright refused to comment, referring questions to city solicitor Jessica Eskra.

As events unfold, it is clear that members of the City Council have been left in the dark.  Council President Pat Rogan, an ally of the mayoral administration, is taking a wait and see approach.  He told the Times-Tribune, ““Nobody’s contacted me. Nothing came to council.”

A frequent Courtright critic, Councilman Bill Gaughan wants a public explanation from the Mayor.  He said, “I think it’s really concerning and I would ask the mayor what’s going … He’s the leader of the city and I’d like to know what he knows and why they (FBI) were there.”

In addition to the Mayor’s West Mountain residence, federal agents also raided the offices of Pat Hinton, the city’s licensing, inspection, and codes manager.  Hinton came under fire from Gaughan and others when it was revealed that the Scranton Municipal Recreation Authority had granted him a generous lease to convert an unused comfort station into his private business.  At issue was whether the terms of that lease violated the city and state ethics codes.  It is unclear whether the lease is linked to yesterday’s actions by the FBI.

Mayor Courtright and Hinton have yet to offer a public statement.