Melvin fundraiser worked with sister, Janine Orie
PITTSBURGH - The paid campaign fundraiser for suspended state Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin says she didn't know who managed Melvin's campaign, but worked closely with her sister and aide, Janine Orie, whenever she had something that required immediate attention.
The fundraiser, Joanne Tsucalas, testified Wednesday in the campaign corruption trial of Melvin and Janine Orie.
The women are accused of conspiring to illegally use Melvin's state-funded Superior Court staff , and the state-funded staff of a third sister, then Sen. Jane Orie , to run Melvin's campaigns for a Supreme Court seat in 2003 and 2009.
Tsucalas testified about several emails involving Melvin and both sisters that pertained to fundraising efforts for the 2009 campaign, during which Melvin won a seat on the state's highest court. Tsucalas also got daily fundraising updates from a member of Sen. Orie's staff.
