JUDGE ACCUSED OF SHOOTING HEROIN IN HER CHAMBERS

PITTSBURGH - A 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.

Ms. 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.

Ms. Sullivan also tipped off Geraci when police had warrants for his
arrest and when they planned to search his home and restaurant, the
prosecutor said.

Her attorney, Patrick Thomassey, said Ms. Sullivan had a prescription
drug problem after an injury.

``She managed to keep a handle on that, with help, but apparently
something happened and she ended up in this position,'' he said.
``These are only allegations. She maintains her innocence.''

A Democrat, Ms. Sullivan Republican opponent, David Sosovicka, had
little comment, saying she is ``presumed innocent until proven guilty.''

Among the felonies Ms. Sullivan faces are possession of heroin and
cocaine, kiting a $2,000 check, accepting bribes and burglarizing
Geraci's used car lot.

District justices in Pennsylvania hold preliminary hearings and set
initial bail for criminal offenses. They rule on minor crimes and
traffic tickets and can issue protection-from-abuse orders.
Magistrates also rule on civil matters up to $8,000, can perform
weddings and decide landlord-tenant disputes.