ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Former Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski may soon be free from prison. According to his long-time friend, Alan Jennings, Pawlowski could be released this summer after completing about half his sentence.
Targeting June: Ed Pawlowski set for early prison release, advocate says
Since late 2018 federal prison is where Pawlowski has housed; sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He was convicted on 47 federal charges including bribery, fraud and corruption.
Through all of it, Jennings has been an advocate for his friend, visiting him in prison just last month. “He’s very devoted in his faith and he thinks this is all part of a plan has to figure out what the plan could be,” said Jennings.
For years Jennings has tried to get his friend released early and now that appears to be happening, thanks to Pawlowski himself. “He’s getting out on for good behavior,” said Jennings.
Jennings said the former mayor has been a model prisoner and has stayed busy during his time behind bars. “He did Bible study; he was chair of the committee on the conditions of the facility. He taught government, which I consider that ironic,” said Jennings.
Jennings said his new release date is June 25th of this year, that would mean Pawlowski will have served about half of his prison sentence.
“He’s optimistic about the world and about life and about his role in it,” said Jennings. “I think he’s anxious to get back to doing good in the community.”
And getting back to work, Jennings said Pawlowski’s entire retirement fund was depleted to pay for restitution. “He’s got a lot of talent to bring back to his community like he did before he went to prison,” said Jennings.
Jennings said Pawlowski will first be transferred to a halfway house, followed by a period of house arrest. If there is no room at a the halfway house, that could push back his June release date.