Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Commissioners say they will pursue the civil lawsuit.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Lawrence County commissioners say they're still unhappy with the decision not to pursue criminal charges against the former buyers of the county nursing home, but have a better understanding of why police won't file charges.
Commissioners requested a meeting with Pennsylvania State Police and the state attorney general's office after learning through the press that criminal charges would not be filed against Sylvan Heights Realty Partners, a group that attempted to buy the county nursing home last year.
The buyers were accused of taking about $500,000 in private-pay patient money and putting it into their own bank account before the sale was final. Buyers contend their contract with the county allowed them to take the money.
All but about $140,000 has been returned to the county. Commissioners have filed a civil lawsuit to recover that money.
The buyers have filed a countersuit against the county, naming county Controller Mary Ann Reiter, Commissioner Ed Fosnaught and Solicitor John Hodge in the lawsuit.
Commissioners Steve Craig and Dan Vogler said their only option now is to pursue the civil suit.
Police explanation
Vogler said police and a representative from the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office did not divulge specifics of their investigation, but explained that they did not feel they could prove a criminal case in court.
The meeting took place Tuesday morning in state Rep. Frank LaGrotta's office in Ellwood City.
"As disappointed as I am with their conclusion, I am satisfied," Vogler said. "I don't believe they reached their decision lightly or quickly. I get the impression they put a lot of thought into whether or not they had enough evidence to proceed."
Craig said that he wishes the state police would have done more investigating but that he realizes their time and resources are limited.
Commissioner Ed Fosnaught was also present at the meeting, but could not be reached to comment.