TRUMBULL COUNTY State Public Defender's Commission will not renew Costanzo's contract

The attorney doesn't know why her contract was not renewed.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The state public defender's commission has chosen not to renew a contract with a local attorney.
Atty. Maridee Costanzo, who had a contract with the public defender's office for the past 13 years, said she found out Tuesday that her contract will not be renewed this year.
"We renew them every July 1, and I found out that I don't have one this year," Costanzo said.
She earned $1,598 a month as the public defender assigned to the Trumbull County juvenile court. She also has a private practice.
Costanzo said she thinks that her decision to tell officials about possible wrongdoing by another attorney working for the public defender's commission led to her contract not being renewed.
"That had nothing to do it with it," said Atty. James Lewis, who is in charge of the Trumbull County Office of the public defender's commission. "Besides, that happened a few years ago. Her contract has been renewed since that time."
Who made decision
Lewis says the decision not to renew Costanzo's contract was made by David Bodiker, the state public defender.
"It's not my decision," Lewis said. He added that he did not know why Costanzo's contract was not renewed.
Bodiker could not be reached to comment. A spokeswoman for the public defender's commission said the department will not comment on personnel matters.
Costanzo said she is considering taking legal action. She added that she has never been told there was any problem with her work.
"I do a good job, and I really care about the kids that I defend," Costanzo said. "I do it for the kids. We aren't talking about a lot of money. I don't understand why this happened or why I wasn't even notified before this point."
Last year, FBI agents served subpoenas to current and former employees of Costanzo's law practice.
"I don't think that had anything to do with this, but then again, who knows for sure," said Costanzo, who has not been charged.
Costanzo ran unsuccessfully in the May 2002 Democratic primary for U.S. Congress.
sinkovich@vindy.com