Judge's son pleads guilty to money laundering, conspiracy

The son of an Allegheny County Common Pleas judge pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to money laundering and conspiring to obtain bank loans in his father's name.

Lee Mazur Jr., 38, of Millers Lane, Plum, faces 27 to 33 months in prison when he is sentenced June 1 by U.S. District Judge Kim R. Gibson. He pleaded guilty yesterday in Johnstown to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and bank fraud, and another count of money laundering.

The case was heard in Johnstown because all of the judges in Pittsburgh recused themselves.

Mr. Mazur admitted to conspiring with businessman Christopher Fekos of Dormont to obtain bank loans in the name of his father, Judge Lee Mazur. The men falsified W-2 forms and other income statements to apply for loans in the judge's name.

When agents served a search warrant at Mr. Fekos' home, they found documents that "were obviously altered," according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Conway.

In October 2003, the men applied for a loan in Judge Mazur's name at People's Choice Home Loan Inc., using false documents that "grossly overstated" the judge's actual income, Mr. Conway said.

The money laundering charge stems from Mr. Mazur exchanging more than $52,000 in cash at Citizens Bank for a certified check made out to Mr. Fekos' business, Americana Painting. The money was fraudulently obtained, Mr. Conway said.

Mr. Mazur will be ordered to pay restitution. The loss to all parties in the case is from $400,000 to $1 million.

Mr. Mazur, whose voice cracked as he answered questions during his plea hearing, told Judge Gibson his most recent job was working for Wendy's, but he no longer is employed by the company. He also worked as a cook at Eat'n Park and at a hot dog shop.

Mr. Fekos was indicted in the case, along with another co-defendant, Joseph Howcroft, in June. They are scheduled to go to trial on April 9. Mr. Fekos is charged with 10 counts of lying, bribing a bank employee, and providing false documentation to obtain bank loans of nearly $2 million. Mr. Howcroft faces seven counts.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07053/764030-55.stm