PITTSBURGH JUDGE FACES DRUG CHARGES

A Pittsburgh judge facing re-election next month was accused of shooting
heroin in her chambers and dismissing charges against her dealer in exchange
for drugs, a prosecutor said.

District Justice Gigi Sullivan was stripped of her duties after charges were
announced Friday. She faces arraignment Monday and will remain on the Nov. 2
ballot for now, her lawyer said.

Sullivan, 38, shot heroin snorted cocaine and misused prescription drugs
before presiding over cases, state Attorney General Mike Fisher said. She is
accused of accepting drugs in exchange for dismissing charges against her
supplier, Donald Geraci, a used-car dealer and former restaurateur, and
other dealers in a drug ring he led, Fisher said.

Her attorney, Patrick Thomassey, said "these are only allegations" and that
Sullivan "maintains her innocence."