PA Lawyer Accused of Sexual Exploitation of Clients

A pattern of alleged sexual exploitation by Pennsylvania attorneys is coming to light, with multiple cases surfacing involving lawyers accused of preying on vulnerable clients. These accusations range from demanding sexual favors in exchange for legal representation to leveraging positions of power to coerce clients into sexual relationships, raising serious ethical and legal concerns within the state’s legal community.

The most recent case centers on Timothy Reitz, 50, of Jersey Shore, who is facing allegations of using his position as an attorney to engage in sexual relationships with two clients involved in custody disputes. According to filings with the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, Reitz allegedly exchanged sexually explicit text messages with one client, ultimately leading to a physical relationship. In a separate, disturbing instance, Reitz allegedly demanded a client provide him with a sex tape featuring her ex-partner, and then admitted to watching it and masturbating, according to court documents.

Adrianne Stahl, who issued the first complaint against Reitz, detailed how he exploited a client representing in three dependency matters involving her children. Stahl emphasized Reitz’s awareness of the client’s vulnerability, as a victim of domestic abuse, and his deliberate use of his position of “trust and power” to take advantage of her. The alleged abuse involved multiple sexual encounters, including one instance where Reitz was interrupted by the client’s friend. Following the encounter, Reitz reportedly texted, “I have a problem to take care of now,” to which the client responded with a topless photograph. Reitz then allegedly stated, “Now I’m going to wreck.”

The allegations against Reitz extend beyond direct sexual encounters. He is accused of using his role as a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) – an individual appointed by the court to investigate and make recommendations regarding a child’s best interests – to exert undue influence over a client. Reitz allegedly leveraged his position to groom the client through increasingly sexual text messages, knowing she understood his recommendations could significantly impact her custody case. He reportedly initiated contact in October 2023, with the conversation escalating over time.

This case is not isolated. In Meadville, Pennsylvania, Kevin M. Burke, 57, has been charged with rape and sexual assault stemming from an alleged encounter with a potential client in May 2025. Separately, a Meadville lawyer is accused of raping a potential client, according to reporting from September 12, 2025. These cases highlight a disturbing trend of attorneys allegedly abusing their professional standing for personal gain.

Further illustrating the scope of the problem, Corey Kolcharno, 49, a former Pennsylvania defense attorney and former county prosecutor, was recently sentenced to jail for exploiting vulnerable clients for sex between 2018 and 2022. Kolcharno allegedly demanded sexual acts or materials in exchange for legal services, specifically targeting women struggling with addiction, histories of sexual abuse, or financial hardship. Investigators reportedly found hundreds of nude and sexually explicit images of his clients on his cellphone. Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry described Kolcharno’s behavior as “despicable,” emphasizing that he “preyed on clients and their relatives who had fallen on hard times and exploited their vulnerabilities for his own gratification.” Kolcharno was sentenced to four months to nearly two years in jail and was required to surrender his law license.

The implications of these cases extend beyond the individual victims. They raise serious questions about the safeguards in place to protect clients from abuse by their legal representatives and the effectiveness of disciplinary procedures within the Pennsylvania legal system. The legal profession relies heavily on trust, and these allegations erode public confidence in the integrity of attorneys. The Pennsylvania Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court is scheduled to hold a hearing regarding the allegations against Reitz on June 9, 2026.

Reitz, who recently ran an unsuccessful campaign for a magistrate judge position in Lycoming County, is currently practicing law at Carpenter, Harris & Flayhart in Jersey Shore. He is also a coach for high school and youth wrestling teams in the area. The ongoing investigations and disciplinary proceedings will likely have significant repercussions for his career and reputation.

These cases underscore the urgent need for increased scrutiny and stricter ethical guidelines within the legal profession to prevent future instances of abuse and protect vulnerable clients. The potential for exploitation exists when there is a significant power imbalance between attorney and client, and This proves crucial that legal professionals uphold the highest standards of conduct and prioritize the well-being of those they serve.