A federal judge has issued a protective order in the case of state Sen. Larry M. Farnese, Jr. (D-First Dist.), who’s accused of bribing a constituent to ensure his 2011 election as ward leader of the Eighth Ward Democratic Committee.
The three-page order was issued May 19 by U.S. District Judge Cynthia M. Rufe. It prevents the public from accessing materials generated during the discovery phase of Farnese’s prosecution.
Farnese serves as ward leader for the Eighth Ward Democratic Committee. The ward is a political subdivision, largely in Center City west of Broad. It serves as a conduit to party leadership, and it’s a source of information during campaigns and elections. The ward is composed of committeepeople elected by their neighbors, who then elect a ward leader every four years.
In 2011, Farnese allegedly bribed Eighth Ward committeeperson Ellen Chapman to help ensure his election as ward leader. Farnese allegedly diverted $6,000 in campaign funds to help pay the college tuition of Chapman’s daughter.
In a 12-page indictment handed down earlier this month, Farnese and Chapman are charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud and related offenses.
Critics of the indictment call it baseless. They say Farnese never expected anything from Chapman in return for contributing to her daughter’s education.
Some say Farnese perhaps could face a civil fine for alleged misuse of campaign funds, but not criminal charges.
The protective order was requested by the U.S. Department of Justice, and Farnese’s attorneys didn’t oppose the request, according to court records.
The order strictly forbids either side from sharing information obtained during the discovery phase. Violators could face sanctions, including contempt-of-court charges.
However, if the DOJ’s case against Farnese and/or Chapman proceeds to a trial, items previously withheld from the public may become accessible at that time.
According to a DOJ filing, “The government intends to begin production of [discovery] materials upon entry of the proposed order. Counsel for the defendants have indicated that they have no objections to the proposed protective order.”
Neither side had a comment.
In a related development, Farnese and Chapman have been ordered to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacob P. Hart at 1:30 p.m. June 10 in Courtroom 5A of the U.S. Court House, 601 Market St.
A formal arraignment for Farnese and Chapman will be scheduled at a later date, according to court records.
Farnese has been a strong advocate for LGBT rights. In 2014, he sent a letter to District Attorney Seth Williams and Attorney General Kathleen Kane to urge a new probe of the Nizah Morris incident.
He’s also co-prime sponsor of the Senate version of the Pennsylvania Fairness Act, which would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.