Related Federal Cases
- Sark Wire Corporation, PPP Fraud, Albany NY, 2023 · Pennsylvania
- Christopher Furman, Wire Fraud and Money Laundering, Pittsburgh PA,… · Pennsylvania
- Christopher Furman, Wire Fraud and Money Laundering, Pittsburgh PA,… · Pennsylvania
- Emily Wilson, Investment Adviser Fraud, Pennsylvania, 2023 · Pennsylvania
- McKenzie Marie Earley, $10M Wire Fraud, C.D. California, 2023 · Pennsylvania
Former Schuylkill County Clerk of Courts Charged with Mail and Wire Fraud
HARRISBURG – A shocking scandal has rocked the small town of Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, as former Clerk of Courts Steven M. Lukach, Jr. has been charged with 20 counts of mail and wire fraud and manufacturing records to obstruct an investigation.
Lukach, 68, was arrested by federal agents this morning and appeared in federal court in Scranton, where he entered a not guilty plea to the charges. He was released on pre-trial supervision pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Lukach served as the Clerk of Courts for Schuylkill County for approximately 27 years. During that time, county auditors with the Controller’s Office began an in-depth examination of the Clerk’s Office in 2013-2014, which led to the discovery of misappropriation of funds by Lukach.
An FBI investigation ensued, and while the audit was ongoing, Lukach allegedly interfered with the audit by stealing mail sent to banks, forging records, and sending fake bank records to the Controller’s Office in an effort to conceal his thefts.
The indictment also alleges that Lukach stole funds from various court accounts for his own personal purposes, including paying a family member’s credit card bill, paying for meals, making car payments, and other personal expenses.
The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Consiglio.
As the trial approaches, residents of Nesquehoning are left wondering how someone in a position of trust could betray the public’s faith. The charges against Lukach are a stark reminder of the importance of accountability in public office.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
