Former Defense Attorney Sentenced to Prison for Exploiting Vulnerable Clients

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HARRISBURG, PA — A former Lackawanna County defense attorney, Corey Kolcharno, was sentenced Thursday to 4-23 months in prison, followed by two years of probation. His crime: exploiting female clients, many of whom were vulnerable due to addiction or past trauma, by exchanging his legal services for sexual acts and materials.

Kolcharno, 49, appeared in Lackawanna County Court where he faced the consequences of his actions. He had previously pled guilty to four felony counts of promoting prostitution. Along with his prison term and subsequent probation, Kolcharno was also ordered to surrender his license to practice law, effectively ending his legal career.

Attorney General Michelle Henry minced no words in her condemnation of Kolcharno’s actions. “The defendant’s behavior in these cases was despicable,” she said. “He preyed on clients and their relatives who had fallen on hard times and exploited their vulnerabilities for his own gratification.”

The investigation into Kolcharno’s misconduct was a joint effort between the Office of Attorney General and the Pennsylvania State Police. It revealed a disturbing pattern of exploitation spanning from 2018 to 2022. During this time, Kolcharno abused his position as an attorney to solicit sexual acts and materials from his clients, as well as from one client’s sister. The victims were often struggling with addiction, had a history of sexual abuse, or were grappling with other challenges.

The case was referred to the Office of Attorney General by the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office and was prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Anthony Forray.

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