Judge told to rule on violation

HARRISBURG (AP) — The Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Friday ordered a county judge to determine whether the secrecy of a grand jury that recommended perjury charges against a casino owner and a Roman Catholic priest was violated.

The high court also dismissed attempts by defense lawyers to throw out the grand jury’s recommendation that criminal charges be filed against Louis A. DeNaples and the Rev. Joseph F. Sica for allegedly lying under oath.

Fran Chardo, the Dauphin County first assistant district attorney, said the justices agreed with his arguments that defense lawyers cannot appeal the case to the Supreme Court until there is a final order, such as a sentencing.

The high court did not rule on the merits of the case.

Chardo also said the district attorney’s office has no objection to the hearing on whether there were improper leaks from the grand jury.

“They’ve made an allegation that there were leaks. There have been no leaks from law enforcement, and we’re prepared to have that tested,” Chardo said.

DeNaples’ lawyers welcomed the order, a spokesman said.

“It was tantamount to prosecution-by-headline and we’re very encouraged by the fact that the court wants to shine a light on this and get to the bottom of it,” DeNaples’ spokesman Kevin Feeley said.

Chardo said the only media reports that he saw on the contents of grand jury testimony, which is given behind closed doors, were relayed by a witness or an attorney for a witness.