Love Philly? Sign up for the free Billy Penn newsletter to get everything you need to know about Philadelphia, every day.
The primary reason Bill Cosby, a man convicted of sexual assault, is sitting at home right now instead of serving a 3 to 10 year sentence is because of a deal offered by a man who called himself the sovereign of Montgomery County.
Thats former Montco District Attorney Bruce Castor, and the Cosby release marks the second time his work has helped a high-profile American escape jail time in the past year.
The first was former President Donald Trump, whom Castor defended during the second impeachment trial.
Castor, a 59-year-old Abington native who got his law degree from Washington and Lee University, has also served on the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners and was solicitor general under former Pa. Attorney General Kathleen Kane. When Kane was convicted of her own perjury charges, Castor worked as acting attorney general for two weeks.
Over the course of a few decades, he has repeatedly accused opponents of corruption, while making a name for himself defending famous people against questionable charges like sexual misconduct or inciting an insurrection.
Here are some notable moments from Castors career.
When Castor ran for Pennsylvania Attorney General in the 2004 Republican primary, the race quickly got ugly.
Castor failed to secure an endorsement from the GOPs southeastern chapter a major loss since thats the region he lives in. He went on the attack, accusing opponent Tom Corbett of backroom deals with committeeman Bob Asher, who was convicted of perjury, racketeering, conspiracy and bribery charges in the 80s.
In return, Corbett questioned why Castor received more than $600k in contributions from retired businessman and President Reagan cabinet member Drew Lewis, suggesting there might be some kind of quid pro quo.
Turns out just three years before accepting the campaign cash, Castor did not seek jail time in a DUI charge against Lewis even though Lewis blood alcohol content was three times the legal limit.
Ultimately, Castors strategy was not successful, and he lost to Corbett.
In 2005, as Montgomery County DA, Castor struck a deal with Cosby that he said was in the name of justice.
Castor basically handed the comedian a get out of jail free card. Saying there was insufficient credible and admissible evidence to prosecute Cosby, Castor promised his lawyer Walter M. Phillips Jr. that he would not press criminal charges.
Castor called himself the sovereign of Montgomery County saying his decision to grant effective immunity would last for all time.
The former DA has since claimed that he did that to motivate Cosby not to plead the Fifth Amendment in the ongoing civil deposition process. That way, Castor said, it was more likely Cosby would tell the truth in civil court, thereby giving accuser Andrea Constand a better chance of prevailing.
My choices were to leave the case open and hope it got better or definitively close the case and allow the civil court to provide redress to Ms. Constand, Castor testified in Cosbys trial. I did not think there was any possibility this case would ever get better.
Constand sued Castor for defamation and he sued her back, accusing her of trying to ruin his political career.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marko Jaric was accused of sexual assault by a Philadelphia woman in 2009, over an something that happened the team was in town to play the 76ers.
Whod the ball player hire to defend him? You guessed it.
Jaric retained Castor as counsel, and the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office eventually ultimately decided not to file charges.
Persons in Markos position are often the target of malicious statements and it is not unusual for the police to be asked to investigate, Castor said at the time. However, these allegations were proved to be completely false, and while Marko is extremely unsettled by these accusations, he is happy that the law enforcement authorities have cleared him of any criminal conduct and the issue can now be put to rest.
Castor won a seat on the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners in 2007. Even though Castor was in the political majority, there was plenty of drama among the boards members.
His colleagues, James Matthews and Joseph Hoeffel, formed an alliance against Castor repeatedly shutting him out of county deals. The newly elected Castor responded by calling the two of them corrupt, and suggesting they were mismanaging county finances and hiring unqualified people.
Matthews was later charged with perjury, but Hoeffel was never charged with any criminal wrongdoing.
Former Pa. Attorney General Kathleen Kane, who was convicted of perjury for leaking grand jury information and then lying about it, arranged a meeting with Castor in March 2016.
He suspected she would ask him to defend her in her perjury case but she didnt. Instead, Kane hand-picked Castor for a new position she was calling solicitor general. Since she was facing charges, her law license was temporarily suspended, and she wanted Castor to come on board and make legal decisions for the state in her absence.
When Kane was convicted, Castor became acting attorney general.
Castor was apparently thrilled to finally get the job he didnt win 12 years earlier: I like effectively being the attorney general without having to worry about the politics end of it. Ive pretty much trained my whole life to do a job like this.
He held the position for two weeks before being replaced by Allegheny County judge Bruce Beemer.
With about a week until his second impeachment trial began, former President Trump selected Castor and defense attorney David Schoen as his legal team.
That didnt leave Castor much time to prepare and it showed.
The former Pennsylvania official spoke first, and delivered what the New York Times called a rambling, almost somnambulant defense for almost an hour. (Somnambulant means resembling or like a sleepwalker. Burn.) Sources close to Trump said the president was furious with Castors performance, and others were quick to criticize him.
There is no argument, said attorney Alan Dershowitz, a member of Trumps defense team during the first impeachment trial, said on the conservative cable news network Newsmax. I have no idea what hes doing. I have no idea why hes saying what hes saying.
I thought I knew where it was going, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham told reporters that day, and I really didnt know where it was going.
An impeachment brief written by Trumps defense team, including Castor, defended the former president, but threw the participants in the January 6 insurrection under the bus saying they brought unprecedented havoc, mayhem and death to the Capitol.
But then Castor ended up defending some of the same insurrectionists.
Kristina Malimon, 28, and her mother Yevgeniya, 54, were arrested outside the Capitol building on Jan. 6 and charged with unlawful entry of public property. Last year, Malimon organized a boat parade in Oregon to support the former president which ended up sinking another boat in its path.
Last month, they picked Castor to represent them.
Go here to see the original:
Bruce Castor, before and after Cosby: Trump, insurrection, and Katheleen Kane - On top of Philly news - Billy Penn
- VANDA Pharmaceuticals States a Fifth Amendment Claim against the Government for Taking a Trade Secret - Trade Secrets Trends - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- Attorneys argue shooters Fifth Amendment rights on the 4th day of the Jennifer Crumbley trial - Detroit News - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Judge will not allow Michigan school shooter to testify in mother's trial if he invokes the Fifth Amendment - AppleValleyNewsNow.com - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Shamoon v. Resideo: Obviousness affirmed - Patently-O - August 12th, 2023 [August 12th, 2023]
- Billings County sued over eminent domain as bridge dispute rekindles - Bismarck Tribune - August 12th, 2023 [August 12th, 2023]
- 'Tyler' and a Call for Reform of the New Jersey Tax Foreclosure ... - Law.com - August 12th, 2023 [August 12th, 2023]
- "Like fatter Tony Soprano Attending the Arraignment and "Effect[ing ... - Emptywheel - August 12th, 2023 [August 12th, 2023]
- Call to faith-based leaders to help end violence; Parents need to pay ... - Capital Gazette - August 12th, 2023 [August 12th, 2023]
- "Stunning development": Experts say Trump target letter is surest ... - Salon - June 12th, 2023 [June 12th, 2023]
- LIV, PGA drop a bombshell on Washington - POLITICO - June 12th, 2023 [June 12th, 2023]
- Congressman Matt Gaetz Introduces Resolution to Hold Former ... - Congressman Matt Gaetz - June 12th, 2023 [June 12th, 2023]
- It's time to end home equity theft in Maine - Bangor Daily News - June 12th, 2023 [June 12th, 2023]
- Louisiana's Sabine River Authority Not Entitled To Sovereign Immunity - The Energy Law Blog - May 28th, 2023 [May 28th, 2023]
- Ninth Circuit Finds that Criminal Reentry Provision Not Driven by ... - Immigration Blog - May 28th, 2023 [May 28th, 2023]
- Ken Paxton Impeached on 20 Charges Including Bribery ... - The Texan - May 28th, 2023 [May 28th, 2023]
- Simply losing it: Bitter fight brews over federal judges forced retirement effort - Yahoo News - May 28th, 2023 [May 28th, 2023]
- Worth County Board of Supervisors Meeting (LIVE) - KIOW.com - May 28th, 2023 [May 28th, 2023]
- Trump Organization finishes last in brand reputation survey for second straight year - The Hill - May 28th, 2023 [May 28th, 2023]
- They held down a Black teen who tried to shoplift. He died from ... - Wisconsin Examiner - May 28th, 2023 [May 28th, 2023]
- What is the Fifth Amendment, and how has it been used? : NPR - March 31st, 2023 [March 31st, 2023]
- Tmc the Metals Company Inc. Enters into Fifth Amendment to Pilot Mining Test Agreement and Third Amendment to Strategic Alliance Agreement, Which Is... - February 20th, 2023 [February 20th, 2023]
- Interpretation: The Fifth Amendment Due Process Clause | Constitution ... - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- Fifth Amendment invoked to the point of 'unintentional hilarity' by Jan ... - December 26th, 2022 [December 26th, 2022]
- Why Did Trump Plead The Fifth Amendment?What We Do Know ... - Newsweek - October 25th, 2022 [October 25th, 2022]
- Understanding the Fifth Amendment Right to Remain Silent - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- US Government for Kids: Fifth Amendment - Ducksters - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Donald Trump loves to plead the Fifth. It won't save him this time. - MSNBC - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Georgia Special Purpose Grand Juries But Were Afraid to Ask - Lawfare - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Citing double jeopardy, Fargo man who killed 14-year-old Jupiter Paulsen wants murder conviction dropped - INFORUM - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Nicki Clyne: What Happened to NXIVM Member and Where Is She Now? - Newsweek - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- New York AG Asks Judge to Prevent Trumps From Hiding Assets Mother Jones - Mother Jones - October 15th, 2022 [October 15th, 2022]
- Trump Will Finally Have to Face Questions About Alleged Rape, Judge Rules - VICE - October 15th, 2022 [October 15th, 2022]
- 'In the Heat of the Night' star Lee Grant on working with Sidney Poitier and being blacklisted by Hollywood - Yahoo Entertainment - October 15th, 2022 [October 15th, 2022]
- THE OTHER SIDE: Orange Jesus took the Fifth - theberkshireedge.com - October 6th, 2022 [October 6th, 2022]
- BNP Paribas : 5th amendment to the 2021 Universal Registration Document - Marketscreener.com - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- Tlingit tribal member shares his story of helping the Yakamas get Mount Adams back - Yakima Herald-Republic - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- Trump Pleading the Fifth Might Have Doomed Him in Civil Case - Newsweek - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Why is Kevin McCarthy Promising to Remove Parents from the Terrorist Watch List? - Daily Kos - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Alex Jones said he may have to plead the Fifth as he's set to testify - Insider - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- USS Fitzgerald and ACX Crystal collision: The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals delineates the reach of personal jurisdiction - GARD - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Trump investigation tracker: Keeping up with Trump's many legal issues - Grid - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Bo Dukes's conviction to stand following motion for new trial - Douglas Now - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- VAIL RESORTS INC : Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement, Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet... - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- It's brother vs. brother at trial over NYC slaying of mobbed-up dad, 'Sally Daz' Zottola - New York Post - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Letters: Boater offers different perspective on the Playpen - Chicago Tribune - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Michael Flynn: From Government Insider to Holy Warrior - PBS - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Hamel found guilty of Athol murder, sentenced to life in prison - The Recorder - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Biden Slowly Winning LBJ- and FDR-Like Praise As Legislative Victories Mount - Seattle Medium - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Vice Principals, the Fifth Amendment, and Negative Inferences - JD Supra - August 30th, 2022 [August 30th, 2022]
- PERMA FIX ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC : Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement, Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an... - August 30th, 2022 [August 30th, 2022]
- Letter: Invoking the Fifth Amendment is not an admission of guilt - INFORUM - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- Taking the Fifth, FBI attacked: 5 takeaways of Gov. Whitmer kidnap trial - MLive.com - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- How much money could Donald Trump have to pay in fines if his businesses are penalized? - AS USA - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- A high stake debate and tension at the GOP convention: Your guide to Michigan politics - MLive.com - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- We Can Be Framers Too - The Atlantic - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- For 38 Years of American History, There Has Been No Vice President - History News Network - August 8th, 2022 [August 8th, 2022]
- Emmett Till is gone. The quest for justice lives on. - New York Daily News - August 8th, 2022 [August 8th, 2022]
- 'A bold-faced LIE': St. Louis mayor blasts Black police officer groups criticism of oversight bill - KSDK.com - August 8th, 2022 [August 8th, 2022]
- He has done more to further the cause of hate in the US than almost anyone: the rise and fall of Alex Jones - The Guardian - August 8th, 2022 [August 8th, 2022]
- Even the District Attorney Believed Joaquin Ciria Was Innocent. Why Did It Take So Long to Set Him Free? - POLITICO - August 8th, 2022 [August 8th, 2022]
- Understanding the Constitution: Why It Doesn't Protect the Unborn - The Epoch Times - August 6th, 2022 [August 6th, 2022]
- Former fugitive charged with rape in Deerfield case demands new lawyer - The Recorder - August 6th, 2022 [August 6th, 2022]
- Sources: Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Testify Before NY AG's Office in Finance Probe, Neither Pleads the 5th - NBC New York - August 6th, 2022 [August 6th, 2022]
- Time running out to try Catherine Hoggle for the disappearance, suspected murder of her 2 kids - WUSA9.com - August 6th, 2022 [August 6th, 2022]
- Trump faces uphill fight on executive privilege in DOJ probe - POLITICO - August 6th, 2022 [August 6th, 2022]
- Charles Milliken: Defining what exactly is a 'right' - Monroe Evening News - July 31st, 2022 [July 31st, 2022]
- How grand juries work and why Jan. 6 prosecutors are relying on them - Salon - July 31st, 2022 [July 31st, 2022]
- Roe, Dobbs and women's rights New York Daily News - New York Daily News - July 31st, 2022 [July 31st, 2022]
- Partisan congressional hearings are a threat to all citizens - Monroe Evening News - July 31st, 2022 [July 31st, 2022]
- 9 years after a UIW police officer shot student Cameron Redus, the case is going to trial - San Antonio Express-News - July 31st, 2022 [July 31st, 2022]
- Outcome of first kidnapping trial can't be used as evidence in second trial, judge rules - Michigan Radio - July 31st, 2022 [July 31st, 2022]
- Washington County woman held in death of 5-year-old son - Herald-Mail Media - July 31st, 2022 [July 31st, 2022]
- What Did the Dissenting Justices Think About the Power of Military Authorities & More - The Soldiers Project - July 31st, 2022 [July 31st, 2022]
- Whipping the votes in Suffolk - Newsday - July 31st, 2022 [July 31st, 2022]
- If Trump Takes the Fifth, Is He Guilty? - Law & Crime - July 29th, 2022 [July 29th, 2022]
- Anambra House of Assembly Passes 5th Amendment Bills - TVC News - July 29th, 2022 [July 29th, 2022]
- How do grand juries work? Their major role in criminal justice, and why prosecutors are using them to investigate efforts to overturn the 2020... - July 29th, 2022 [July 29th, 2022]
- We need to hear the unbiased story - Villages-News - July 29th, 2022 [July 29th, 2022]
- Outcome of first kidnapping trial can't be used as evidence in second trial, judge rules - WKAR - July 29th, 2022 [July 29th, 2022]
- LOVERRO: The weight on Rivera's shoulders is inevitably about much more than football - Washington Times - July 29th, 2022 [July 29th, 2022]