SCRANTON, Pa. — Former Assistant District Attorney Corey Kolcharno turned himself in Monday on four charges of encouraging prostitution and was arraigned after four women accused him of forcing himself on them and giving them money for those sexual encounters, according to state police.
According to court paperwork, the women struggled with addiction, had a history of being sexually abused, or suffered other vulnerabilities when they started seeking legal help from Kolcharno.
According to state police, four of Kolcharno's female clients accuse him of forcing himself on them and giving them money for those sexual encounters. It all happened between 2018 and early this year. Each victim started off seeking legal help from Kolcharno. According to court paperwork, all four women were vulnerable in some way, such as a history of addiction, sexual abuse, or money troubles.
Kolcharno eventually asked the women for sexual favors in exchange for money or a break on their legal fees.
One of the victims told troopers that Kolcharno "proposed a business transaction, inquiring if she wanted to make a quick $200."
Another victim told investigators, "Kolcharno knew she was in recovery, in jeopardy of incarceration, and struggling financially." She said, "she had no choice because she could not afford to make regular payments."
Court documents also state that Kolcharno's cell phone was examined, and investigators found "hundreds of nude or sexually explicit images of Kolcharno's female clients."
Kolcharno, 47, from Peckville, worked as an assistant in the Lackawanna County district attorney's office from 2005 to 2011.
He was working at a private law firm when these crimes were alleged to have occurred between 2018 and 2022.
Kolcharno's lawyer issued the following statement:
"Attorney Kolcharno has made a conscious decision to accept responsibility and acknowledge mistakes he has made in the past both as a professional as well as a human being. It is his hope that by accepting responsibility, he can move his life forward in a positive fashion not only for himself but especially his family."
Kolcharno waived his preliminary hearing, and his next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline.