STRUTHERS Former official faces charges

Ronald Carcelli will remain free while he awaits trial on charges of bribery and theft.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A former Struthers street foreman has been indicted by a Mahoning County grand jury on charges related to a 1996 paving contract in the city.
Ronald A. Carcelli, 49, of Elm Street, faces charges of theft in office, bribery and theft. He pleaded innocent Monday before Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of common pleas court.
If he is convicted and gets consecutive sentences, he could be sentenced to more than 11 years in prison.
Carcelli retired from his street department post in January, after 29 years with the city.
The indictment was handed up secretly Friday. Carcelli was notified by his attorney, J. Gerald Ingram, who took him to the courthouse for arraignment rather than having him arrested.
"Even though this was a secret indictment, it wasn't like we didn't know it was coming," Ingram said.
Carcelli was allowed to remain out of jail on his own recognizance. His trial is set for Sept. 18 in the courtroom of Judge Maureen A. Cronin. However, Carcelli waived his right to a speedy trial, meaning the trial probably will not be in September.
Basis of charges
Timothy Franken, chief assistant prosecutor, said Carcelli is suspected of accepting bribes from James R. Sabatine of Canfield, who owned Hardrives Paving and Construction of Mineral Ridge.
In exchange for the bribes, Carcelli doctored weigh slips when Sabatine's company delivered asphalt to the city for paving work, Franken said. He said the company submitted fraudulent invoices for asphalt that was not used.
Carcelli was paid some $5,000 in bribes, and the city was billed more than $8,000 for asphalt that was not used, Franken said.
Sabatine pleaded guilty in August 2001 to unrelated federal charges related to his part in a scheme to fraudulently obtain paving contracts that were set aside for minority contractors in Ohio. He also admitted paying a $2,400 bribe to U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. of Poland in August 1998.
Sabatine is to be sentenced Aug. 27.
Franken said Sabatine testified against Carcelli before the grand jury last week, and is expected to testify against him when the case goes to trial. In exchange for that testimony, Sabatine won't face local charges.
Edward Pannutti of Lowellville, a former Hardrives employee who faces federal charges, is also to testify against Carcelli, Franken said.