Felasco's paycheck is placed in escrow

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Even though he has been showing up to work more frequently, Lawrence County Treasurer Gary Felasco won't see his paycheck this week.
County Controller Maryann Reiter said she has placed the $1,700 check in an escrow account. County commissioners voted last week to put Felasco's pay in escrow after criminal charges were filed accusing the treasurer of taking more than $40,000 from his office. Commissioners say the money will be returned to Felasco if he is acquitted. If convicted, it could be used to pay restitution to the county.
Last week, Reiter said she was not going to comply with the order, believing it was illegal. But Reiter said county Solicitor John Hodge has since told her that the commissioners voted on the matter and it is now policy.
Felasco has vowed he will fight the commissioners' action. His attorney, Ed Leymarie, could not be reached Wednesday to comment.
Felasco's preliminary hearing was rescheduled for 1 p.m. Sept. 29 in Lawrence County Central Court. The hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, but Felasco's attorney asked for more time to prepare.
The treasurer is charged with theft, embezzlement and other charges.