Former Philadelphia Court Employee Sentenced For Stealing From City Courts
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A former Philadelphia courts procurement technician has been sentenced to 33 months in prison for using his position to steal over $400,000 worth of merchandise and services over a ten year period.
William Rullo,who pleaded guilty, forged signatures, doctored documents and lied to colleagues and friends as he routinely used First Judicial District funds for his own benefit.
Authorities say it started with cellphones. Rullo, who was fired in 2010, had his own corrupt friends and family plan.
"He was the person responsible for purchasing phones for the FJD," Prosecutor William Inden said. "He would buy phones, extra phones, that he would give to friends and family."
Rullo also admitted illegally purchasing and reselling cases of SEPTA tokens, parking spaces, and dozens of flat screen TV's. He also used court funds for weekend stays at the Inn of the Dove
The prosecution says it was all about selfishness and greed.
Rullo, who compared his acts to an addiction, but couldn't explain his conduct, told the court "I can't say I am sorry enough for what I did."
