JUDGE ACCUSED OF SHOOTING HEROIN

Prosecutor Says She Gave Breaks To Dealer

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.

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.

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

Sullivan's attorney, Patrick Thomassey, said the Democratic judge 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."

Sullivan's Republican opponent, David Sosovicka, had little comment, saying
she is "presumed innocent until proven guilty."

Among the felonies 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.