WILKES-BARRE — Michael Scavone might soon be in the market for a new lawyer.

Documents filed Tuesday in Luzerne County Court show Scavone, 50, can no longer bear the costs associated with fighting a homicide charge including retaining his attorney, John B. Pike.

Scavone is accused of running down 31-year-old Paula Jones last summer as the Factoryville triathlete jogged along Lakeside Drive in Harveys Lake. A blood analysis indicated he had a blood-alcohol level of .214 almost two hours after the crash, police said.

Pike requested to withdraw as counsel after discussions with Scavone and members of his family, the document says.

Related Video

“It has been determined that the defendant cannot afford private counsel or the costs associated with criminal litigation including but not limited to a private investigator and expert witnesses,” Pike wrote.

Scavone appears qualified for representation with the Luzerne County Public Defender’s Office, Pike wrote.

Judge David W. Lupas scheduled a hearing on the matter for Friday at 9:30 a.m. A pre-trial conference will be held at the same time, the judge ordered.

Scavone is charged with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol and seven related charges. He is scheduled to be tried on Feb. 29.

Scavone remains jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility.

Scavone
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_scavone01.jpg.optimal.jpgScavone

By Joe Dolinsky

jdolinsky@timesleader.com

Reach Joe Dolinsky at 570-991-6110 or on Twitter @JoeDolinskyTL