Allegheny Co. Councilman Held For Trial On Embezzlement Charges

A western Pennsylvania politician accused of stealing nearly $200,000 from the trust of a 92-year-old widow will stand trial.

Common Pleas Judge Donald Machen decided at the end of a preliminary hearing on Friday that Allegheny County Councilman Charles McCullough will stand trial. McCullough's sister, Kathleen McCullough, has also been ordered to stand trial. McCullough says he is innocent.

Councilman McCullough is accused of diverting the money from Shirley Jordan's trust to reward himself, other Republican candidates and his political allies. He is accused of bilking the funds in 2006 and 2007, before he was elected to council.

Previous Stories: May 19, 2009: Closing Arguments Scheduled In County Councilman's Bilking Case April 21, 2009: Prelim Trial Continues For Councilman Accused Of Theft