Site last updated: Monday, August 3, 2026

Log In

Reset Password
Butler County's great daily newspaper

Ex-chief receives probation

He pleaded guilty to corruption

HARRISBURG — A former Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission chairman was sentenced Thursday to probation after he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor corruption charge as part of a deal with state prosecutors.

Dauphin County Judge Richard Lewis ordered Mitchell Rubin of Philadelphia to serve two years’ probation, pay a $2,500 fine and perform 100 hours of community service after he pleaded guilty to one count of commercial bribery.

“I’ve done wrong,” Rubin told the judge. “I followed the custom when I should have followed the law.”

Rubin and two other former turnpike officials were accused of using their power over multimillion-dollar contracts to rig bids, enrich themselves and influence political campaigns.

The judge had severed Rubin’s case from the other two. The trial of former turnpike commission CEO Joseph Brimmeier and former chief operating officer George Hatalowich was scheduled to begin next week, but the judge confirmed Thursday it has been postponed.

Charges against three other co-defendants were previously dropped or resolved.

Rubin, 62, and his wife were previously convicted in federal court of crimes stemming from their friendship with former state Sen. Vincent Fumo, who was convicted of defrauding the state Senate, a South Philadelphia nonprofit and a seaport museum.

More in Pennsylvania News

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS