Delaware County Daily Times - Nov 7, 2000 Article

Reilly begins his new post

Delaware County Daily Times (Primos - Upper Darby, PA) - Tuesday, November 7, 2000

Author: MARLENE DiGIACOMO

Of the Time Staff

MEDIA COURTHOUSE -- John A. Reilly Jr. yesterday celebrated his birthday by beginning a new job as Delaware County Court administrator, and stepped across the hall from the familiar turf of the prosecutor's post he's held for more than 12 years.

Reilly's appointment will require that he give up the job handling the commonwealth's case against Robert Rivera , 34, of Upper Chichester. Rivera is facing the death penalty in the Aug. 10, 1999, disappearance and apparent killing of his 20-month-old daughter Katelyn .

No trial date has yet been set and a three-judge panel is currently mulling over pre-trial issues that were recently argued by Reilly and defense attorney G. Guy Smith.

Reilly admitted it was a "difficult decision" to leave the D.A.'s office where he's been a prosecutor since 1988 and served for the past four years as a deputy district attorney. During his tenure, he's handled a number of high-profile cases.

But Reilly said he was looking forward to the change.

"This was an opportunity that presented itself now. This presents a series of new challenges that I'm capable of meeting. And it's time," he said.

The Rivera case will be turned over to another prosecutor named Reilly -- John F.X. Reilly -- who is no relation.

When asked if he offered any advice on the Rivera case, the new court administrator replied, "I can assure you knowing John that he doesn't need any advice from me, nor would he accept it."

President Judge Joseph Battle formally swore in Reilly as the new court administrator at private ceremonies yesterday. Among those on hand to offer congratulations was his younger brother, Andrew J. Reilly, who is a member of Delaware County Council.

"I'm very happy for John. He's built an amazing record as a prosecutor," said Andrew. "John enjoys public service and he's committed to it."

His 13-year-old son John Reilly III wanted to be present and was willing to give up school, but Reilly said no. "School is more important."

Battle said with Reilly's experience, his salary would be in the area of $68,700. However, since the court administer is now a state post, the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts will have the final say as to salary. Under a new state edict last year, court administrators across Pennsylvania now come under the state's umbrella.

Reilly downplayed rumors that the new post will offer him a chance to sharpen his administrative skills and serve as a stepping stone to becoming district attorney.

"I don't have the luxury of having that ambition. It's a process that's controlled by others," he said.

"I have only one ambition -- to be the best possible me I can be."

He said he has always worked to do the best job possible and while growing up was told there "is no higher goal than public service."

The Widener University Law School graduate is the son of the late John Reilly, who served as county district attorney and later a judge.

Reilly took over the reins of the office from Gerald Montella, who returned to private practice this summer.

A graduate of Cardinal O'Hara High School who now lives in Glen Mills, Reilly began his duties yesterday, which aptly fell on his 43rd birthday.

"I was given a couple of dates to start the job and this one seemed appropriate," he said with a smile.

In the post, Reilly will handle a variety of duties including overseeing the day-to-day operations of the court in matters such as assignments of judges and courtrooms, as well as processing thousands of motions and petitions. The office also handles the notification of prospective jurors and the arbitration program. The office also provides statistics to state and local agencies.

Battle said Reilly's skills fit the bill.

"We were looking for somebody who had hands-on experience dealing with court assignments and someone who had the maturity to handle the volume in this office. This is the third busiest district in the state," said Battle. "He had the experience and maturity we needed for the job."