Statement by United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen Regarding U.S. vs. Pawlowski

 “Today’s guilty verdicts send the message again to corrupt politicians that they are not above the law,” said United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. “The jury has held Mayor Pawlowski accountable for selling his office to the highest bidder to fund his personal ambitions.  Thinking only of himself, he deprived Allentown residents of their right to receive honest and faithful services from their municipal government.  The mayor then tried to cover up his crimes by destroying evidence, lying to the FBI agents who were investigating him, and lying to the federal jurors who heard his case. Our prosecutors and law enforcement partners worked extremely hard to investigate this case, which also resulted in 10 guilty pleas. We hope that those in public office receive the clear message that justice system will not tolerate these abuses of the public trust.”