Pennsylvania attorney Corey Kolcharno accused of forcing clients into sex

State police say that Corey Kolcharno went after women who were addicted to drugs, had been sexually abused, or had money problems.

The Pennsylvania attorney general’s office said Monday that a defense lawyer went after clients who were weak and forced them to have sex in exchange for legal work.

Police claimed in an affidavit that Corey J. Kolcharno was charged with four counts of encouraging prostitution after an investigation revealed he sexually exploited clients by tying “his performance as their counsel to a demand for sexual services from them or in exchange for cash.”

Former Lackawant to County prosecutor Kolcharno was arraigned on Monday and released on $20,000 cash bail. According to a statement released by his counsel, Kolcharno “has taken a deliberate choice to accept responsibility.” Kolcharno informed the press that he planned to give up his legal license.

State police say that Kolcharno went after women who were addicted to drugs, had been sexually abused, or had money problems. At first, he asked for naked pictures or worn underwear. Then, his predatory behavior got worse, and he asked for sex in exchange for legal help. Police said that he paid his clients as much as $500.

Authorities reported that victims expressed embarrassment but felt they had no alternative but to comply.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro stated in a written statement that Kolcharno “selected these victims because he believed they would be easier to silence and less likely to be believed if they ever came forward.”

On his mobile, investigators reportedly discovered hundreds of sexually explicit photographs of Kolcharno’s clients.

The crimes allegedly occurred between 2018 and 2022, while Kolcharno was a partner at the legal firm Fanucci & Kolcharno outside Scranton.

Prior to resuming his private practice, Kolcharno served as an associate district attorney in Lackawant lan County from 2005 to 2011.