Controller issues paycheck for beleagured treasurer

Two commissioners refused to sign the treasurer's paycheck
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- At least one Lawrence County elected official thinks it's illegal for the county to withhold the county treasurer's pay.
County Controller Mary Ann Reiter sent a memo to county commissioners Friday stating her solicitor advised her it is illegal for the county to withhold the paycheck of Treasurer Gary Felasco.
She stated she is issuing the embattled treasurer a paycheck.
Commissioners voted to put Felasco's paycheck into an escrow account until criminal charges filed against him Sept. 7 are resolved.
Felasco is accused of theft, embezzlement and other charges. The Pennsylvania attorney general's office contends that Felasco took more than $40,000 from his office for personal use from October to December 2003.
Reiter said her solicitor, Dan Soom, believes there is no legal basis for withholding Felasco's pay. In Reiter's memo to commissioners, she explained that she would be subject to a $500 fine, as well as a possible civil rights action.
Lawsuit considered
Felasco's civil attorney, Ed Leymarie, told The Vindicator that his client is considering filing a civil rights lawsuit against the county for withholding his paycheck.
Reiter said she issued Felasco a check from the escrow account, but it appears it will not be valid. Two commissioners must sign the check in addition to Reiter.
Commissioners Dan Vogler and Steve Craig said they will not sign the check. Commissioner Ed Fosnaught could not be reached Friday to comment.
"The only way I will sign a check with Gary Felasco's name on it is if I'm ordered to by the courts," Craig said. Vogler agreed with that statement.
Reiter said she will continue to issue checks to Felasco during the regular pay periods, even though the checks will not be valid.
cioffi@vindy.com