Greene County DA defends actions, says solicitor’s claims are politically motivated

This browser does not support the video element.

WAYNESBURG, Pa. — The district attorney in Greene County is vigorously defending his actions amid what he calls a politically motivated attack.

RELATED >>> Local solicitor alleges district attorney uses office to charge political opponents with crimes

11 News told you that solicitor Robert Grimm filed allegations in court against District Attorney David Russo, alleging intimidation and criminal charges against political opponents.

“He’s made a lot of allegations, you know, in regards to us fighting corruption in this county,” Russo said. “And, you know, that was one of the promises that I made coming into this, my first administration, that the people are fed up with the corruption. I want the voters to know that we made promises, promises made, promises kept. You know, I said that I would fight corruption. I said I would fight the drug problems in this county. I said I’d fight child offenders in this county and I have done so.”

Russo told Channel 11 that the timing of the allegations days before the primary is deliberate and he stands by his record of fighting corruption.

Criminal charges against Grimm were dropped last week.

The attorney general’s office found complaints that the county’s elections office did not follow protocols to list candidate names on the ballot were not substantiated.

Russo’s name is on the ballot Tuesday in the Republican primary.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW