UPDATE: As of 7:30 p.m., Former Federal Judge Edwin Kosik was "safely recovered." Newswatch 16 will have the latest updates on his search and recovery live at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.
SCRANTON -- A former federal judge has been safely recovered Thursday evening in one part of Lackawanna County.
U.S. Marshals, state police, and local police were searching for Judge Edwin Kosik, last previously seen about a day and a half ago.
U.S. Marshals are responsible for protecting federal judges and marshals are now tasked with finding one of Scranton's longest-serving federal judges.
During a news conference at the federal courthouse in Scranton, marshals detailed the search for Judge Edwin Kosik, 92, of Covington Township.
Family members reported the judge missing Wednesday afternoon. Despite his age, Judge Kosik was still trying cases until a few months ago. He stopped due to health concerns.
"Communications with the family has revealed that Judge Kosik was taking medicine to aid in memory loss. It is possible this may have contributed to his unknown whereabouts. That said, at this time, we also cannot rule out a criminal nexus to this case," said U.S. Marshal Martin Pane.
Marshals say Judge Kosik is last seen by surveillance cameras late Tuesday night attempting to open the door at Bill's ShopRite in Daleville. The store was closed. At the shopping center's exit, he does not head for home. the Judge instead turns left toward Route 435.
"Most of us do not depart our residence, it's like a part of us these days, without our cell phones, or your wallet, and both of those items were left at the residence," said Pane.
Kosik's disappearance stunned the legal community in Scranton where he is best known for presiding over the so-called "kids for cash" case.
Defense and civil attorney Chris Powell argued in front of Judge Kosik for decades.
"We want to know what happened to him. And everybody has their opinion, as lawyers, among themselves. I was just over in court this morning and it's on everybody's mind," said Powell.
Marshals say the judge is wearing jeans and a blue winter coat. He was seen driving a gray Acura SUV that has a dent on the driver's side.
A state police helicopter is searching Covington Township and the surrounding areas. Investigators ask that anyone who may have seen Judge Kosik or his vehicle call 911.