Pa. children's advocate pleads not guilty

SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) — A northeastern Pennsylvania lawyer and court-appointed children’s advocate has pleaded not guilty to federal tax charges.

Danielle Ross is suspended from her job as the attorney who represents the interests of children in Lackawanna County family court.

Ross and her attorney David Solfanelli say they will fight the federal charges of tax evasion and filing false income-tax returns.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Blewitt set an April 15 trial date and released Ross, who has served as a lawyer for children in custody cases since 2008.

Some families are alleging that Ross’ claims were biased and her billing was excessive.

Ross is facing charges that she did not pay taxes on the billings above her salary.