In death, as in life, Philomena intrigues

On Wednesday, as a sidebar to the front page story on the death of former Mahoning County Prosecutor-turned criminal James A. Philomena, this writer shared his thoughts in a column on page A-3 headlined “Ex-prosecutor was a good man who gave in to greed.”

The piece reflected the deep disappointment and anger many early supporters of Philomena felt when it became known that he was selling justice in the prosecutor’s office. He pleaded guilty to federal racketeering charges and state bribery and perjury charges. He served six years in federal and state prisons and was released two years ago.

He died last Sunday, reportedly of cancer.

Reaction to the column on The Vindicator’s Web site, Vindy.com, was immediate and just as strident as the column. Given that many readers of The Vindicator have not yet ventured into cyberspace, some of the responses are being reprinted today.

U“It has been said that we shouldn't speak ill of the dead, but Philomena, who died over the weekend, has left us with no choice” (Quoting the column)

You had a choice and should have taken it. Respect the dead and keep quiet.

Posted by: jjimb

UI agree . He was a great man with a huge heart. I chose to remember him for the good that he did. Just let it be.

Posted by: mmc

UJust another in a long list of disgraced Mooney grads. What do they teach there?

Posted by: Another disgraced Mooney grad

UGreat men don't lie, cheat, or steal.

Posted by: Anonymous

UI have to agree w/ Anonymous ... Great men don't lie, cheat or steal ... and get busted as a drug user ... what in the heck????

Why is it that so many criminals find homage in Youngstown Political Office ...?

Posted by: YtownN8ive

UTo YtownN8ive:

Good question. I can't understand it either. This town is fascinated with the mob and mobsters. Things they should be ashamed of are their pride and joy. Evil people.

Posted by: Anonymous

UGood men don't partake in criminal activities.

Good men don't embarrass their families and friends.

Good men don't sell their soul for the almighty dollar.

Good lawyers don't sell justice to the highest bidder.

Seems like lots of bad men come from the parochial school system. Wouldn't you think based on this perception (Catholics self perception) that they are superior morally, they'd have less alumni who are corrupt? Do they teach ethics at Mooney and Ursuline?

Posted by: Good Man? (IP Logged)

UGood riddance ... Chance, Philomena, Polivischak, Kerrigan ... all white men led out of office in cuffs ... let the trash stay where it is.

Posted by: see thru (IP Logged)

UGood ’ol Catholic Hypocrisy ...

Posted by: Joe Joe The Dog Faced Boy

UShow some respect people! You obviously didn’t know him on a personal level. He was a great man and will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He was always so kind to me and my family and I will forever remember him. RIP Jimmy!!!

Posted by: Lks (IP Logged)

UPeople should earn respect! A person who takes a position of integrity and authority and shirks that responsibility deserves ZERO respect.

Posted by: Show vs. Earn Respect

UI’m glad other people have noticed the corrupt behavior of Catholic school grads. I never really wanted to be the one to say it, but something is off with that religion. I guess we should not be surprised judging by the number of priests who end up being child molesters and rapists.

Posted by: Didn’t Want To Say It

UJimmy was a good man he made some bad decisions we are all human.

Posted by: bobby g

(For other posts go www.Vindy.com and click on Community Discussions, then Stories and finally the piece headlined “A good man who gave in go greed”)

A final word:

In reading news stories in The Vindicator’s archives pertaining to Philomena’s criminality, one sad reality comes through: He never was truly contrite.

The former Mahoning County prosecutor could have taken a giant step toward healing the gaping wound he caused in the community by his behavior with a public mea culpa upon his becoming a free man.