PHILADELPHIA (June 14, 2019)— Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg LLP (Klehr Harrison) is pleased to announce that on June 13, 2019, longtime firm client, Dr. Charles J. Musto, was fully acquitted of filing false tax returns following a nine day jury trial in the matter of United States v. Musto, United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, in Scranton, PA.

Musto is a prominent periodontist and real estate investor in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Government contended that Musto intentionally diverted and failed to report nearly $1 million in earnings and alleged that he claimed improper deductions on his tax returns over a three year period.  Musto vigorously defended the matter, asserting that he relied in good faith on his accountant and bookkeeper and did not act willfully or intentionally. After deliberating for approximately 11 hours, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty and fully exonerated Musto of all wrongdoing.

“I am so proud that Dr. Musto’s good name has been cleared and that Dr. Musto has been vindicated.  Justice surely has been served,” said Lisa A. Lori, Esq., a Klehr Harrison Partner, who was one of the attorneys representing Musto in this matter.  Additional attorneys in the case were Mark E. Cedrone, Esq., of Cedrone &  Mancano, LLC, and local counsel Jerry Weinberger. 

Lori is a partner in the firm's litigation practice group and maintains a national trial practice, with an emphasis on complex business disputes. She is also a current member of the Board of Trustees of Marywood University in Scranton, PA.