Pozonsky granted work-release program

The same day a former Washington County judge was sentenced to at least a month in jail for stealing drug evidence, a friend offered him a job.

Paul Pozonsky, 59, reported to Tri-State Restoration Services Inc. on Wednesday for his second day of work as a general laborer. Mark A. Fiorilli, an attorney on his defense team, said Mr. Pozonsky was repairing the roof on a home.

The Washington damage restoration company is owned and operated by Scott and Kimberly Bernett, friends of the former judge who were in the courtroom for Monday’s sentencing hearing, Mr. Fiorilli said. Mr. Pozonsky’s pay rate was not immediately available, and the Bernetts could not be reached for comment.

The Washington County Jail’s work-release program allows eligible inmates to do jobs outside the facility and return at the end of their shifts. Shortly before he was due to surrender to the jail Monday, Mr. Pozonsky presented a letter verifying that he had secured employment, Warden John Temas

said. Mr. Fiorilli said the Bernetts offered him the job Monday afternoon.

“It was found to be a legitimate job,” the warden said. “He fit the rules, he fits the criteria” of the work-release program.

Mr. Pozonsky left the jail between 6:30 and 7 a.m. Tuesday and returned on time after working a daylong shift, the warden said. Wednesday marked his second day on the job.

The former Common Pleas Court judge, who was recently living with his parents in Muse, pleaded guilty in March to theft by unlawful taking, obstructing administration of law and misapplication of entrusted property. Investigators found that some evidence bags in his chambers had been tampered with, their seals broken, and some cocaine had been replaced with baking soda.

Visiting Judge Daniel L. Howsare on Monday ordered him to serve one to 23½ months, though he is expected to spend only 30 days in the lockup.