Felasco gets probation, home confinement

New Castle News

Gary F. Felasco received three years probation and six months of home confinement for failing to file a federal income tax return in 2005.

Sentencing took place Tuesday morning in U.S. Senior District Judge Gustave Diamond’s courtroom in downtown Pittsburgh.

The former Lawrence County treasurer pleaded guilty in February to one count of failing to file a 2005 federal tax return. Felasco could have received from four to 10 months in prison and possible fines.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the charge was separate but related to a mortgage fraud case involving Affordable Housing of Lawrence County and First Commonwealth Bank.

Diamond agreed with Felasco’s attorney, James J. Ross, and the federal government with the terms of the sentence.

Ross and U.S. Assistant Attorney Brendan T. Conway called Felasco’s cooperation exemplary. The former Lawrence County treasurer reportedly supplied invaluable information regarding corruption in Lawrence County.

Felasco already is serving parole through September 2013 in connection with a 2006 conviction on charges of theft by failure to make required disposition of funds, misappropriation of entrusted property, embezzlement and conflict of interest. Tuesday’s sentence will run concurrently with his parole.

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