DUI CHARGE FOR HEROIN-CASE JUDGE

PITTSBURGH - A former district justice who will be sentenced later
this month on charges she helped a drug ring in exchange for heroin
and cocaine now faces drunk driving charges.

Gigi Sullivan, 40, a former Springdale magistrate, was involved in a
hit-and-run crash Friday night, West Deer Township police said.

Sullivan allegedly crossed the center line and hit another vehicle at
about 8:30 p.m. but kept driving, police said.

The other driver made a U-turn and called police while following
Sullivan's car, which eventually had to stop because it had a flat
tire, police said.

Sullivan was charged in Allegheny County Court and released on her own
recognizance early Saturday morning.

Sullivan's attorney, Patrick J. Thomassey of Monroeville, declined
comment yesterday.

Sullivan pleaded guilty in November to two charges of criminal
conspiracy and one charge each of running a corrupt organization,
obstructing justice, hindering prosecution and accepting a bribe.

The former suburban Pittsburgh magistrate also pleaded no contest to a
single charge of forgery.

In a no contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt but admits that
authorities have enough evidence to prove charges.

Sullivan could face a maximum sentence of 60 years in prison and
$50,000 in fines when she is sentenced Jan. 24.

Deputy Attorney General Donna McClelland accused Sullivan of giving
legal favors to Donald Geraci, 38, a used-car salesman and restaurant
owner. Geraci pleaded guilty to numerous charges in connection with
the case. Several others have also pleaded guilty to various charges
in the case.

McClelland said Sullivan once reduced bond for a friend of Geraci's
who was charged with burglary. She also allegedly allowed Geraci to
sit at the bench with her during arraignments.

Sullivan also tipped off Geraci through a message sent to his pager
when police sought to arrest him and search his house and restaurant,
Cafe Verona, McClelland said.

In return, McClelland said, Geraci never charged Sullivan for the
drugs he gave her between 1996 and 1998.