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Wednesday, November 29, 1995 Page: 2A
WILKES-BARRE — The trial of a former Plains Township tax collector who
allegedly shortchanged the Wilkes-Barre Area School District of nearly
$180,000 will begin today.
Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas President Judge Patrick Toole is
scheduled to preside at the trial of Richard J. Lussi, 53, which is scheduled
to begin 10 a.m.
Lussi is accused of withholding $177,000 from the Wilkes-Barre Area School
District between 1989 and 1991. Lussi stepped down from his post in March,
1992 amid allegations of wrongdoing.
Lussi is charged with theft by unlawful taking, theft by failure to make
required disposition of funds received and receiving stolen property, all
felonies.
He also is charged with defaulting on tax collection and embezzlement.
As tax collector, Lussi was responsible for collecting township property
taxes and distributing the funds to the township, county and school district.
Lussi also would notify the county of delinquent taxpayers.
Jury selection was completed Monday.