Former Commissioner James Matthews Pleads Not Guilty
Accused of false swearing
Photos
Ex-Montgomery County Commissioner James R. Matthews is now headed to trial after pleading not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of false swearing and waiving his upcoming formal arraignment this morning, April 4, according to a Times Herald article.
Matthews had initially been accused of perjury in connection with testimony he gave to a grand jury, the article states. That felony charge was dismissed at Matthews' preliminary hearing.
The article also states: "The grand jury investigation, initiated in March 2010, recommended that Matthews be indicted on both charges in connection with his testimony during the investigation which revolved around campaign contributions and expenditures by the county commissioners, the awarding of county contracts and other county expenditures and whether there was a violation of any laws."
Read the full Times Herald article here.
Curmudgeon
3:50 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Probably technically guilty, but a BS charge, More important, guilty of treachery, and throwing his constuients under the bus because he and Castor cannot play well with others.
THANKS JIM FOR ALL YOU LEFT BEHIND. THERE'S NOT ENOUGH TOILET PAPER TO CLEAN IT UP!!!
Mike Shortall
4:33 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
I think Matthews' greatest "crime" was conspiring with Joe Hoeffel to hide the sorry state of the County's financial picture from voters before last year's Commissioners election. Castor knew - or suspected - that the books were much worse than even he was led to believe. They were.
This allowed Shapiro and Richards to run on a "no new tax" platform that will almost certainly be violated with next year's budget. The only reason why Shapiro and Richards didn't have to renege on their promise this year was that the outgoing group had to deal with the 2012 budget before they left office.
He should stay under whatever rock he's crawled beneath.
Lee
10:33 am on Thursday, April 5, 2012
Hatboro Mike's right. Mr. Matthews and many other of our officials suffer from crony capitalism at the tax payer expense. People of Montco, will you consider going to your township meetings and paying attention to your leaders? That is the only way you can prevent unethical practices in our wonderful welcoming county. Our officials are partnering with well funded nonprofits that are determining our and our children's futures, where and how we live, how and where you will work.
- democratsagainstagenda21.com - plans are underway all over Montco. Study the language and how it is used.
Steve
1:10 pm on Thursday, April 5, 2012
Lee: nobody paid attention to the former DA when he exposed Matthews and Hoeffel's corruption. If arguably the most well respected lawman in the county at the time was ignored, why would anyone in the press believe us?