CASE UPDATE: Former Mercer County District Attorney Sentenced for Obstructing the Administration of Law

March 20, 2019 | Topic: Criminal

Miles Karson Resigned as District Attorney after Conviction for Influencing Criminal Proceedings of Romantic Interest

HARRISBURG — Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced that former Mercer County District Attorney Miles Karson was sentenced to four years of probation and 300 hours of community service for abusing his position of power to influence criminal proceedings of a person with whom he was romantically linked. Karson, 73, of Sharon, PA, was found guilty by a jury of Obstructing the Administration of Law or Government Function and Official Oppression by a jury in January 2019.

Karson was originally charged by Attorney General Shapiro in October 2017 following a presentment returned by a statewide investigating grand jury which revealed that he intentionally obstructed the administration of law through breaches of his official duties and interfered with the rights of others through abuse of power vested in his office.

“Miles Karson took advantage of the power of his office to tip the scales of justice in favor of his romantic partner,” said Attorney General Shapiro. “As Attorney General, I will not allow any person in power to abuse their public office. While we pursued a strong sentence that included confinement, we are pleased Karson will no longer serve in public office and will no longer be able to betray the people’s trust. My Office will continue working tirelessly to root out public corruption and will prosecute anyone who breaks the law—without fear or favor.”

Attorney General Shapiro has aggressively pursued public corruption cases across Pennsylvania. In April 2018, he charged former Bedford County District Attorney William Higgins for protecting drug dealers from criminal prosecution, revealing the identities of confidential informants to persons under investigation by law enforcement and offering favorable treatment to women with whom he was having sex. Higgins resigned following his arrest and pleaded guilty to obstructing administration of law or other governmental function, official oppression, reckless endangerment, intimidation of witnesses or victims, and hindering apprehension or prosecution.

Earlier this month, Attorney General Shapiro announced multiple charges against a former Northumberland County Prothonotary for theft, receiving stolen property, and tampering with public records. In February, he announced felony charges against a Scranton School Board Official for using public dollars for personal use, after charging another former Official in September for overbilling and double-billing for work performed on district vehicles by his Auto Body Shop. In November 2018, Attorney General Shapiro announced felony charges against a former City of Philadelphia official for conflict of interest, tampering with public records, and theft.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Katherine Jordan and Deputy Attorney General Evan Lowry.

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