Briefly... CITY/REGION

Delay in kid-porn sentencing

A federal judge yesterday put off the sentencing of Concetta Jackson, 46, of Colwyn, Delaware County, in what authorities call a horrific case of child porn.

Jackson, one of three defendants in the case, faces a 15-to-30-year prison sentence. U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence F. Stengel did not set a new sentencing date. Authorities charge that Jackson, 46, was a sometime baby sitter who helped procure minors for sexual predator John Jackey Worman, who is awaiting sentencing. A third defendant, Dorothy Prawdzik, a former girlfriend of Worman's, is serving a 30-year prison term for her role in the case.

Fox Chase fight continues

Attorneys for supporters and opponents of the Fox Chase Cancer Center's plans to expand into Burholme Park testified yesterday before a Commonwealth Court appeals panel.

The center is appealing the ruling last December by Orphans Court Judge John W. Herron, who rejected the city's and hospital's attempt to break Robert W. Ryerss' will. Ryerss' will states that the land, off Cottman Avenue near Central, be used as a public park "forever." The city had agreed to lease 19.4 acres of the 69-acre park to the hospital for 80 years. The panel is expected to issue a ruling in about 60 days.

Casino decries 'burb slots

Philadelphia Park Race Track and Casino is suing the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board in state Supreme Court over the award of a state slot-machine gambling license to the Valley Forge Convention Center. Philadelphia Park contends that the gaming board erred when it decided in April to award a license. It contends that a Valley Forge slots location would draw many of its customers from existing casinos.

News flash: Water is not free

City Controller Alan Butkovitz has requested that Revenue Commissioner Keith Richardson notify 1,123 city employees with delinquent water accounts of 90 days and more to pay up or up to 20 percent of their wages will be withheld until the debts are settled. City employees' past-due payments have accumulated to $560,000. The majority of bills have been owed for 180 days or longer.

RHousemate stabs another

Fernando Lazaro-Martinez, 29, of Moorestown, faces charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault, after he stabbed a housemate yesterday with a screwdriver and punched him in the face, police said. Lazaro-Martinez is accused in the attack upon Miguel Junes, 32, inside their home. Junes was in stable condition at Cooper University Hospital, in Camden, and Lazaro-Martinez is in the Burlington County jail on $500,000 bail. *

- Staff and wire reports