Www.lobbyistsofficesofgrw.com has learned that John Tanko, the handyman who did all kinds of neighborhood jobs prior to baby Lisa Irwin disappearance arraigned today, Wednesday on an unrelated charge.
John “Jersey” Tanko pleaded not guilty to felony tampering with a vehicle. His trial was set for April 9.
Tanko was arrested Oct. 14 in connection with an Oct. 13 incident. Police questioned him about baby Lisa’s disappearance but ultimately said they have “moved on.” Kansas City police and the FBI have not cleared anyone in the case if new evidence arises that warrants additional scrutiny.
But his public defender, Horton Lance, said he is not treating his client as a suspect in the disappearance of baby Lisa and he has received no indication otherwise from police.
Last week, John Picerno told a television reporter that a witness claims Tanko was paid $300 to kidnap the then 10-month-old baby.
Picerno said the girl claims Tanko bragged about the kidnapping to another man.
The teen said she was with the second man following a vigil for the baby and he claimed the handyman made the claim, Picerno contends.
That second man has subsequently denied making such a claim according to media reports.
Picerno and New York attorney Joe Tacopina are representing Lisa’s parents, Debbie Bradley and Jeremy Irwin. Neither Picerno nor Tacopina responded to attempts to reach them Wednesday for comment.
Irwin called 911 about 4 a.m. Oct. 4 to report that his daughter had been snatched from her crib while sleeping.
The tampering charge was initially filed last month against Tanko, but the case was refiled by Clay County Prosecutor Dan White on Nov. 15.
