Sen. Scarnati Concerned About
Homeless Shelter Ignoring New Law

State Senator Joe Scarnati of the 25th District expressed dismay that Jack Wisor and officials at the Just for Jesus homeless shelter outside of Brockway have chosen to intentionally violate a measure which was just recently passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Ed Rendell.

According to Scarnati, Act 95 of 2010 states that a group-based home like Just for Jesus, which agrees to provide housing to a convicted murderer, must notify the county and municipal governments in which the home is located that the individual is staying at the home, within 48 hours of his arrival. Upon notification, the county or municipal government may choose to hold a public hearing concerning the group-based home provider, its site and operation.

“The law is very clear and unmistakable, Scarnati said. “Without question, it was ignored by Mr. Wisor and his Just for Jesus group, as they continue to be a safety concern for many citizens in the Jefferson County area.”

Convicted murderer Ernie Simmons was recently released by Cambria County Judge Timothy P. Creany, after violating multiple terms of his probation, and ordered to return to the Just for Jesus homeless shelter. The Pennsylvania Board of Probation & Parole informed Scarnati’s office that Just for Jesus staff had picked up Mr. Simmons on Monday, November 22nd in order to return him to the shelter. However, according to officials in the Jefferson County Commissioners and Snyder Township Supervisors offices, as of Monday, November 29, neither had been notified of Mr. Simmons’ arrival at Just for Jesus, as required by law.

“What is most troubling about this situation is that Mr. Wisor was well aware of the recently passed law and simply chose to not abide by it, Scarnati stated. “In fact, shortly after the passage of the bill, Mr. Wisor told WTAJ-TV the following quote, ‘I’m glad that Senator Scarnati has put this bill in place, and I think it’s going to work great for communities and ministries such as Just for Jesus.’”

Scarnati added that he would urge the county and township officials to hold a public hearing in accordance with the new statute.

Comments

Bishop Jack Wisor said…
An Act of Corruption

Joe Scarnati, because of the strong arm of the Just for Jesus Ministry, amended SB 1161 – known as the Scarnati Amendment. This bill is now signed into law. It states that when a murderer or someone with a similar offense is released by the Department of Corrections to a facility in the community, the municipal officials may hold a public hearing to give the community an opportunity to express itself and ask questions.
Then, Mr. Scarnati had the audacity to violate the law, one that he is taking public credit for and sent a letter, along with four other people to Judge Creany in Cambria County, trying to influence the judge to remove Ernie Simmons from the Just for Jesus facility in Brockway, when the law now says that Ernie and the community has a right to a public hearing.
Mr. Scarnati’s arrogant ways and actions are showing him to be so comfortable in his position that he can blatantly violate his own amended law, oath of office and ignore the Constitutional rights of a human being. He has arrogantly stepped from his legislative powers over to influencing the judicial powers of our government. This is usurpation and despotism at its best.
Mr. Scarnati attempted to mislead Judge Creany by blaming the ministry for not providing or having proper staff, when in fact, Ernie is a free man and can come and go according to the conditions of his probation –the DOC/Parole & Probation has approved the ministry as an appropriate placement for Ernie.
The judge was aware of this wrongful, underhanded attempt by Mr. Scarnati to influence him. Judge Creany publicly announced that Joe Scarnati’s letter would have no bearing on his decision. Shortly, the rest of the state will also be aware of Mr. Scarnati’s improper actions…corruption?
Bishop Jack Wisor

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