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July 3, 2008

Felasco back in Pennsylvania to serve parole

By Patrick E. Litowitz

Lawrence County officials and federal authorities have maintained their silence regarding a subpoena seeking records tied to Gary Felasco.

In a related matter, the New Castle News learned that the convicted treasurer has returned to Pennsylvania to serve his parole.

Last week, county Treasurer Richard L. Rapone received a subpoena from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Pennsylvania. The records sought covered Jan. 1, 2003, through Dec. 31, 2006. They include: wage and tax statements for 2003 through 2005; employment and payroll records; and background records.

A federal grand jury convened in Pittsburgh will receive the documents. The county has until July 22 to turn over information regarding the convicted treasurer.

Rapone declined to discuss the matter. He directed questions to the department’s solicitor, attorney Ted Saad, who also declined comment.

Attempts to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for comment were unsuccessful.

County Commissioner Dan Vogler and Prothonotary Helen Morgan have differing views on the effect of the federal investigation.

They were in office when Felasco was convicted on charges involving the theft of taxpayer money and a certificate of deposit belonging to a fraternal organization. He also pleaded guilty to an ethics law violation.

“I’m wondering why it took so long,” Morgan said. “I don’t think it’s going to help. It’s old news. We’re here, and we’re working very hard.

“It kind of bothers me that it comes now.”

Vogler said that if there is unfinished business involving Felasco, then he welcomes the investigation.

“If the federal government requires county records, then we are going to comply with that request.”

After serving a year at the State Correctional Institution at Albion, Felasco was released in August 2007. He received approval to serve his parole in Ashtabula County, Ohio, where his wife, Jeannine, and children lived.

Dan Chuba, a unit supervisor with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, said Felasco received instructions to return to Pennsylvania on Nov. 13, 2007.

“We sort of got the heads up on his situation,” Chuba said. “He didn’t last long here.”

Jeannine Felasco appears to have remained in Ohio. A licensed practical nurse, she recently renewed her Ohio nursing credentials. Neither an address or phone number were available for her.

Leo Dunn, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, said Felasco is located in the board’s Erie District. The district covers Erie, Crawford, Warren and McKean counties.

Dunn said Felasco’s home address could not be released to the public. He also declined to comment on Felasco’s employment status.

He noted that, for the second quarter of 2007-08, 70 percent of the offenders who were capable of working had found employment. Dunn said that parole board ordered Felasco to maintain employment.

“The board highly encourages all parolees to be employed,” he said.

Felasco reportedly had been spotted in New Castle as recently as last week.

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