Probe brings new cell phone policy

The county treasurer has an outstanding cell phone bill of $488.38.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Lawrence County has a new cellular telephone policy, but county commissioners fear it has no teeth right now.
The policy, approved Tuesday, addresses the guidelines for acquisition and use of cellular telephones, but it doesn't address what penalties employees or elected officials face if they violate the policy.
Commissioner Ed Fosnaught suggested they look into fining people who abuse the policy.
But instituting a fine would mean passing an ordinance -- this week's action was only a resolution -- said Charleen Micco, county administrator.
Commissioner Dan Vogler said they would revisit the matter and look into adding some sort of penalty for violating the policy.
What sparked action
The action is a result of an investigation into cell-phone use by county Treasurer Gary Felasco. It was revealed in April that Felasco was using his county cell phone to give directions to swinger parties publicized on a sexually explicit Web site. County telephone records also revealed that two cellular telephones issued to Felasco's office were used frequently on nights and holidays on noncounty business.
Felasco turned over two cellular telephones to county chief clerk/administrator March 23 and March 24, but the county continues to get bills for Felasco's two lines.
County Controller Mary Ann Reiter said she received a $488.38 bill last month for Felasco's two telephones. That includes $200.99 not paid from the previous month.
The Cellular One bill showed two $120 disconnect charges for two telephones, but also detailed charges for those telephones from April 18 through April 28 that included calls made from Cleveland and Ashtabula.
Calls included
The calls included 19 calls to Felasco's own telephone number -- likely to check voice-mail -- calls to the treasurer's office at the courthouse and treasurer's satellite office in Ellwood City and treasurer's solicitor Ed Leymarie.
The bill also showed calls made to TracFone, a prepaid cellular telephone company, West Penn AAA and one call to the home of Nick DeRosa, assistant superintendent of New Castle schools.
Reiter said she thinks Felasco should be responsible for the bill.
Felasco could not be reached to comment Tuesday.
County commissioners said the county controller's office will be looking for any abuse of cellular telephones issued to the county.
Reiter said the county has 39 cell phones that are used by employees. It has contracts with Cellular One, Nextel and Verizon and the total monthly bills are $2,200.
cioffi@vindy.com