LaGrotta to receive pension, lump sum

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A former state lawmaker who placed relatives in state jobs that reaped them thousands of dollars for little or no work is eligible for a $48,000 annual pension. But Frank LaGrotta will collect only about $36,000 a year because of payment options he selected.

LaGrotta says he’ll also collect a $102,000 lump sum when he turns 59.

The Beaver County Democrat is eligible for the pension in November, when he turns 50.

LaGrotta pleaded guilty earlier this month to two felony conflict-of-interest charges. He was sentenced to six months of house arrest, probation and community service and ordered to pay a fine and restitution.

The charges don’t fall under the a list of 23 crimes that require pension forfeiture by state employees.