Marcus Hook's troubled mayor resigns

MARCUS HOOK Mayor James Schiliro has resigned, a month before his term was to expire.

Last month, Schiliro was found guilty in Delaware County Court of recklessly endangering another person, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, official oppression, and furnishing liquor to a minor.

On Monday, Schiliro sent a letter to the Borough Council tendering his resignation.

"We accepted it," said Borough Solicitor Mark Much.

Council President Gene Taylor, who was elected mayor in the November election, will serve as acting mayor until he is sworn in, Much said.

Schiliro, a Republican who was elected to a four-year term in 2009, did not seek reelection.

On Feb. 21, Schiliro, who had been drinking, had a police car bring Nicholas Dorsam, a 20-year-old former neighbor, to his home. He compelled him to drink wine and would not let him leave. Schiliro said he was attracted to Dorsam.

During the 31/2-hour episode, Schiliro held guns to his head three times. Dorsam said that twice he was able to take guns from Schiliro, who would then leave the room, only to return with another weapon.

Shiliro fired the third gun into a stack of papers, Dorsam testified at a court hearing.

Dorsam eventually left the home and later called police.

Schiliro entered an alcohol-treatment program and is undergoing counseling.

He is scheduled to be sentenced in January.