Sam Kuttab, the 55-year-old Philadelphia businessman, has pleaded guilty to a mail fraud charge, according to United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. Kuttab is accused of orchestrating a scheme that leveraged a Municipal Court judge’s position for personal gain.
The documents reveal that Kuttab notified former Judge Joseph Waters of his pending small claims case against Company B, seeking $2733 in unpaid fees. Waters used his influence to manipulate the court process, securing continuances and favorable rulings despite objections from Company B.
In September 2011, Waters’ calls to other judges facilitated a continuance for Kuttab’s company, Donegal Investment Properties. Later that year, after Waters identified Kuttab as ‘a friend of mine,’ another judge ruled in favor of Kuttab. Waters also mediated a settlement where Kuttab paid $600, leaving Company B with only $400.
Kuttab admitted to participating in secret ex parte communications and gaining an unfair advantage for Donegal through these schemes. Former Judge Waters pleaded guilty in 2014 and was sentenced to 24 months in prison for his role in the case.
U.S. District Court Judge Juan R. Sanchez has set a sentencing hearing for Kuttab in July 2015, where he faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, with prosecution led by Richard P. Barrett and Michelle L. Morgan.
This case highlights the extent to which public officials can be influenced for personal gain, emphasizing the importance of integrity in the judicial system.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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