Brennan Gets Jail Time, Unpaid Leave from Caucus Job

Joe Brennan
Ex-Rep. Joe Brennan

Ex-state Rep. Joe Brennan (D-Lehigh) faces up to 2 years in jail following his conviction for DUI and assaulting his wife. His future employment with the House Democratic caucus is yet to be determined.

The Allentown Morning Call reports that a Lehigh County judge rejected his request for house arrest and sentenced him to serve between 90 days and 2 years.

Brennan represented his Allentown district for three terms, but removed himself from the ballot after the charges were filed in August. He plead guilty this week to drunkenly punching and choking his wife then driving away.

He was ordered to report to prison Monday.

The Morning Call reported:

“‘It would literally make my future employment situation impossible,’ Brennan said in a low tone, barely audible.

“‘It’s a hardship for every defendant who stands before me,’ the judge replied. ‘The sentence stands.’”

House Democrats had hired Brennan to work in the Legislative Policy and Research Office, noting his decade of work as a researcher for the caucus prior to his election.

House Dems spokesman Bill Patton said the caucus hasn’t made a definitive decision about Brennan’s long-term status, but was suspending him in the meantime.

“Starting Monday, he will go on leave without pay or benefits until his release. His employment status will be reviewed at that time,” Patton said.

9 Responses

  1. I think Mr. Brennan is a good example of the good old boy network in Harrisburg. Very few reputable organizations would employ a convicted wife beater.

  2. Steve – Apparently you’re not aware, but there is no PA Democrat Party, only the PA Democratic Party. It’s better to be thought a fool and remain silent than open your mouth and remove all doubt.

    Gotta love how Republicans and right wingers scream about family values and Judeo-Christian values and then can’t be bothered with silly little things like forgiveness or grace or even just common decency in respecting a family that’s going through a tough time and needs encouragement and help and not derision. I hope that Rep. Brennan gets the help he needs and that his family comes through this stronger than ever.

  3. The Democrats claim the Republicans are waging a war on women, but they actually employ a guy who waged a war against a woman. Should not surprise us seeing this is the PA House Democrats.

  4. Wow, look into the eyes of that liberal freak! He has no soul! He probably beat his wife because she refused to bow down before Obama and wash his feet with perfume. An absolutely disgusting loser and a perfect example of the PA Democrat Party.

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