Thursday, May 25, 2006
Some county officials say they want legal advice before taking any action.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Gloria Conti testified that the Lawrence County treasurer stole from the taxpayers and now her job is in jeopardy.
Commissioner Ed Fosnaught sent a letter to the members of the Lawrence County Salary Board asking the board to reconvene and vote to abolish Conti's position as second deputy treasurer.
Conti, who was given immunity from prosecution in exchange for her testimony, told jurors that Treasurer Gary Felasco threatened to fire her if she didn't take money from the county coffers and give it to him for personal use.
She also said she took money at Felasco's direction and paid his cable bills and bank overdrafts. Conti contends she never took money for herself.
Found guilty
A jury in Franklin, Pa., found Felasco guilty of theft, embezzlement and other charges May 12.
Felasco, who remains treasurer until his Aug. 1 sentencing, is not permitted in the county courthouse unless he is accompanied by a deputy sheriff or his attorney. He has not been in the courthouse since before his trial.
Felasco would be a voting member of the salary board on this matter. Other board members are the county commissioners and county controller.
Commissioner Dan Vogler said he wants the county solicitor to look at whether the county code requires the treasurer to have two deputies.
"I also think we need to be very careful not to take any action that would jeopardize any ongoing investigations or any upcoming hearings," he said.
Felasco still faces a state ethics code charge and a separate set of charges involving the theft of money from the Wolves Club.
Commissioner Steve Craig called Fosnaught's request valid and said it would be up to Vogler, the salary board chairman, to decide if a meeting will be called.
Controller Mary Ann Reiter said she has asked her solicitor to look at the matter to make sure the county won't be violating the federal Whistleblower Law if Conti's job is eliminated.
cioffi@vindy.com