Reputed Pa. mobster ordered to testify in newspaper case

June 26, 2009 at 2:55p.m.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) — A reputed mob boss has been called to testify about accusations that he plotted with two judges to fix a defamation case against a northeastern Pennsylvania newspaper.

William D’Elia has been ordered to appear next week at a hearing in Allentown.

The state Supreme Court granted a review of the $3.5 million verdict against The Citizens’ Voice of Wilkes-Barre, citing questions about the role played by D’Elia and former Luzerne County Judges Michael Conahan and Mark Ciavarella.

The judges pleaded guilty earlier this year in a separate case involving juvenile defendants.

D’Elia’s lawyer says he’s considering how to respond to the order. D’Elia is serving nine years in prison on federal money-laundering and witness-tampering charges.