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{{short description|American politician}}
{{Infobox State Representative

⚫
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Frank LaGrotta
| name = Frank LaGrotta
| image =Frank LaGrotta photo-edit 1.jpg
| image = Frank LaGrotta photo-edit 1.jpg
| imagesize = 175px
| imagesize = 175px
| caption =
| caption =
Line 11: Line 13:
| successor = [[Jaret Gibbons]]
| successor = [[Jaret Gibbons]]
| party = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| party = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| date of birth = {{Birth date and age|1958|11|26|mf=y}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1958|11|25|mf=y}}
| place of birth = [[Ellwood City, Pennsylvania]]
| birth_place = [[Ellwood City, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| date of death =
| death_date =
| place of death =
| death_place =
| alma_mater = [[University of Notre Dame]]<br/>[[University of Pittsburgh]]
| education = [[University of Notre Dame]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]], [[Master of Arts|MA]])<br>[[University of Pittsburgh]]
| profession = [[Journalist]]
| profession = [[Journalist]]
| spouse =
| spouse =
| residence = [[Ellwood City, Pennsylvania]]
| residence = [[Ellwood City, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| religion = [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]]
| website =
| website =
}}
}}
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==Personal life==
==Personal life==
LaGrotta was born in [[Ellwood City, Pennsylvania|Ellwood City]].<ref name=votesmart>[http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=BS028248 Biography] at [[Project Vote Smart]]</ref> He is an alumnus of [[Riverside High School (Pennsylvania)|Riverside High School]].<ref name=family>
LaGrotta was born in [[Ellwood City, Pennsylvania|Ellwood City]].<ref name=votesmart>[http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=BS028248 Biography] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060213010157/http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=BS028248 |date=February 13, 2006 }} at [[Project Vote Smart]]</ref> He is an alumnus of [[Riverside High School (Pennsylvania)|Riverside High School]].<ref name=family>
{{cite news
{{cite news
| last = Walter
| last = Walter
| first = Kori
| first = Kori
| title = All in the Family
| title = All in the Family
| work =
| publisher = Beaver County Times
| publisher = Beaver County Times
| date = 2007-11-14
| date = 2007-11-14
| url = http://timesonline.com/articles/2007/11/15/news/top_stories/doc473bb47eeb1b2384764719.prt
| url = http://timesonline.com/articles/2007/11/15/news/top_stories/doc473bb47eeb1b2384764719.prt
| accessdate = }}</ref> He graduated from the [[University of Notre Dame]], having received a [[Bachelor of Arts]] in 1980 and a [[Master of Arts (postgraduate)|Master of Arts]] in 1981.<ref name=votesmart /> He is the grandson of immigrants.<ref name=Casey>
}}</ref> He graduated from the [[University of Notre Dame]], having received a [[Bachelor of Arts]] in 1980 and a [[Master of Arts]] in 1981.<ref name=votesmart /> He is the grandson of immigrants.<ref name=Casey>
{{cite news
{{cite news
| last = Roddy
| last = Roddy
| first = Dennis
| first = Dennis
| title = LaGrotta rose fast as Casey Democrat
| title = LaGrotta rose fast as Casey Democrat
| work =
| publisher = Pittsburgh Post Gazette
| publisher = Pittsburgh Post Gazette
| date = 2007-11-15
| date = 2007-11-15
| url = http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07319/834109-85.stm
| url = http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07319/834109-85.stm
| accessdate = }}</ref>
}}</ref>


After graduation, LaGrotta worked as a sports [[journalist]] with [[Gannett News Service]] from 1981-1983. LaGrotta returned home to work as office manager for [[Ralph D. Pratt|Ralph Pratt]], who was then the representative for the 10th district.<ref name=Casey /> He also served as Legislative Director of the [[Beaver County, Pennsylvania|Beaver County]] Legislative Delegation from 1983-1986.<ref name=votesmart />
After graduation, LaGrotta worked as a sports [[journalist]] with [[Gannett News Service]] from 1981 to 1983. LaGrotta returned home to work as office manager for [[Ralph D. Pratt|Ralph Pratt]], who was then the representative for the 10th district.<ref name=Casey /> He also served as Legislative Director of the [[Beaver County, Pennsylvania|Beaver County]] Legislative Delegation from 1983 to 1986.<ref name=votesmart />


==Political career==
==Political career==
Upon Pratt's election as a judge, LaGrotta ran for his boss's seat. In 1986 he defeated [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[Jim Gerlach]], who is currently a [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. Representative]] for [[Pennsylvania's 6th congressional district]].<ref name=Casey /> LaGrotta was considered a [[Robert P. Casey|Casey Democrat]] because of his [[pro-life]] stance and his strong ties to [[Trade union|organized labor]].<ref name=Casey />
Upon Pratt's election as a judge, LaGrotta ran for his boss's seat. In 1986 he defeated [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[Jim Gerlach]], who later became a [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. Representative]] for [[Pennsylvania's 6th congressional district]].<ref name=Casey /> LaGrotta was considered a [[Robert P. Casey|Casey Democrat]] because of his [[pro-life]] stance and his strong ties to [[Trade union|organized labor]].<ref name=Casey />


He won re-election nine times, largely with token Republican opposition. He faced one serious challenge in the GOP landslide year of 1994 winning with only 53% of the vote. After the 1994 scare, LaGrotta ran unopposed in four of his last five races.<ref>{{cite news
He won re-election nine times, largely with token Republican opposition. He faced one serious challenge in the GOP landslide year of 1994 winning with only 53% of the vote. After the 1994 scare, LaGrotta ran unopposed in four of his last five races.<ref>{{cite news
| last =
| first =
| title = Frank LaGrotta Candidate Detail
| title = Frank LaGrotta Candidate Detail
| work =
| publisher = OurCampaigns.com
| publisher = OurCampaigns.com
| date =
| url = http://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=34950
| url = http://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=34950
| accessdate = 2008-01-09 }}</ref>
| accessdate = 2008-01-09 }}</ref>


In 1992, LaGrotta ran for the [[U.S. House of Representatives]] in [[Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district]] against incumbent Democrat [[Joseph P. Kolter]] who was implicated in the [[Congressional Post Office scandal]]. He finished fourth in a four-way primary that also included [[Ron Klink]], the victor, and fellow state Representative [[Mike Veon]].<ref>{{cite news
In 1992, LaGrotta ran for the [[U.S. House of Representatives]] in [[Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district]] against incumbent Democrat [[Joseph P. Kolter]] who was implicated in the [[Congressional Post Office scandal]]. He finished fourth in a four-way primary that also included [[Ron Klink]], the victor, and fellow state Representative [[Mike Veon]].<ref>{{cite news
| last =
| first =
| title =1992 General Primary
| title =1992 General Primary
| work = Sourced from 1994 Almanac of American Politics
| work = Sourced from 1994 Almanac of American Politics
| publisher = OurCampaigns.com
| publisher = OurCampaigns.com
| date =
| url = http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=210023
| url = http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=210023
| accessdate = 2008-01-09 }}</ref>
| accessdate = 2008-01-09 }}</ref>
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===2006 primary election===
===2006 primary election===
LaGrotta ran for re-election for an eleventh term, but was defeated in the [[primary election|primary]] for the [[Pennsylvania House of Representatives elections, 2006|2006 election]] by political newcomer [[Jaret Gibbons]]. The margin of defeat was 28 votes.<ref>{{cite news
LaGrotta ran for re-election for an eleventh term, but was defeated in the [[Partisan primary|primary]] for the [[Pennsylvania House of Representatives elections, 2006|2006 election]] by political newcomer [[Jaret Gibbons]]. The margin of defeat was 28 votes.<ref>{{cite news
| last =
| first =
| title =2006 General Primary
| title =2006 General Primary
| work =
| publisher = Pennsylvania Department of State
| publisher = Pennsylvania Department of State
| date = 2006-05-16
| date = 2006-05-16
| url = http://www.electionreturns.state.pa.us/ElectionsInformation.aspx?FunctionID=15&ElectionID=20&OfficeID=13&DistrictID=81
| url = http://www.electionreturns.state.pa.us/ElectionsInformation.aspx?FunctionID=15&ElectionID=20&OfficeID=13&DistrictID=81
| accessdate = }}</ref><ref name=Out>{{cite news
}}</ref><ref name=Out>{{cite news
| last =
| first =
| title =State House races: Pistella, LaGrotta, Stevenson out; Veon wins
| title =State House races: Pistella, LaGrotta, Stevenson out; Veon wins
| work =
| publisher = Pittsburgh Post Gazette
| publisher = Pittsburgh Post Gazette
| date = 2006-05-17
| date = 2006-05-17
| url = http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06137/690792-179.stm
| url = http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06137/690792-179.stm
| accessdate = }}</ref>
}}</ref>


The election focused on LaGrotta's support for the controversial [[2005 Pennsylvania General Assembly pay raise controversy|2005 legislative pay raise]].<ref name=Lessons>{{cite news
The election focused on LaGrotta's support for the controversial [[2005 Pennsylvania General Assembly pay raise controversy|2005 legislative pay raise]].<ref name=Lessons>{{cite news
| last =
| first =
| title = Lessons unlearned
| title = Lessons unlearned
| work =
| publisher = Bucks County Courier Times
| publisher = Bucks County Courier Times
| date = 2007-11-18
| date = 2007-11-18
| url = http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/321-11182007-1442955.html
| url = http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/321-11182007-1442955.html
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20071019053352/http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/321-11182007-1442955.html
| accessdate = }}</ref>
| archive-date = 2007-10-19
| url-status = dead
}}</ref>


Following the election, LaGrotta was appointed to fill a vacant seat on the [[Lawrence County, Pennsylvania|Lawrence County]] Housing Authority in December 2006. He resigned this position in October 2007.<ref name=family />
Following the election, LaGrotta was appointed to fill a vacant seat on the [[Lawrence County, Pennsylvania|Lawrence County]] Housing Authority in December 2006. He resigned this position in October 2007.<ref name=family />
Line 106: Line 92:
==Conflict of interest legal proceedings==
==Conflict of interest legal proceedings==
{{main|2006 Pennsylvania General Assembly bonus controversy}}
{{main|2006 Pennsylvania General Assembly bonus controversy}}
⚫
{{Infobox criminal
| name = Frank LaGrotta
| image_name =
| image_size = 150px
| image_caption = [[Dauphin County, Pennsylvania|Dauphin County]] [[Police Department]] mugshot of Frank LaGrotta on November 16, 2007
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1958|11|25|mf=y}}
| birth_place = [[Ellwood City, Pennsylvania]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| death_date =
| death_place =
| charge = 2 counts of [[conflict of interest]]
| conviction_penalty = 6 months house arrest, probation, and fines
| conviction_status = probation
| occupation = Pennsylvania State Representative
| spouse =
}}


On November 14, 2007, LaGrotta was arraigned in [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania]], on two corruption-related felony charges, following the Attorney General's investigation into the [[2006 Pennsylvania General Assembly bonus controversy|2006 bonus controversy]]. According to State [[Attorney General]] [[Tom Corbett]], LaGrotta allegedly used his position to have his sister and niece paid over $26,000 from state funds.<ref>Barnes, Tom. [http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07320/834386-85.stm LaGrotta knew nothing about hefty bonuses, lawyer says], ''[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]'', 2007-11-16. Accessed 2007-11-27.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/103-11142007-1441033.html |title=Ex-lawmaker faces charges as corruption probes roil Pa. House (phillyBurbs.com) | work=Pennsylvania News |accessdate=2008-01-08 }}</ref> On December 20, he pleaded not guilty to the charges.<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Bonus storm distracts state Democrats| date=2007-12-23 | publisher=pennlive.com | url =http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2007/12/bonus_storm_consumes_state_dem.html | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2008-01-10 | language = }}</ref> On February 3, 2008, LaGrotta pleaded guilty to two felony<ref>[http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/02/05/uss_cole_families_want_suit_reopened Ex-official pleads guilty in job scam], [[Associated Press]] via the ''[[Boston Globe]]'', 2008-02-05. Accessed 2008-02-20.</ref> counts of conflict of interest for having ghost workers on his payroll. He was sentenced to six months of house arrest, along with probation and fines.<ref>[http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2008/02/former_state_lawmaker_pleads_g.html Ex-legislator sentenced for no-show workers - Midstate PA Local News, Weather, Sports & Entertainment - PennLive.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20080204_A_former_state_rep__pleads_guilty_over_no_show_jobs_.html A former state rep. pleads guilty over no show jobs. | Philadelphia Inquirer | 02/04/2008<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08035/854668-100.stm | work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | title=Ex-Rep. LaGrotta pleads guilty in ghost employee case | first=Tracie | last=Mauriello | date=2008-02-04}}</ref><ref>[http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/breaking/s_550733.html LaGrotta pleads guilty - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> He will continue to receive his full pension of $48,000 per year, since conflict of interest convictions do not fall under the [[State Employees' Retirement System (Pennsylvania)|State Employees' Retirement System's]] list of 23 crimes that require pension forfeiture.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08058/860900-100.stm | work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | title=Despite guilty plea, ex-Rep. LaGrotta to get full pension | first=Tracie | last=Mauriello | date=2008-02-27}}</ref> After his guilty plea, he stopped repaying the unvouchered expenses from the [[2005 Pennsylvania General Assembly pay raise controversy|2005 legislative payraise]] and was refunded the amount that he had previously returned.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08060/861390-85.stm | work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | title=After returning raise, LaGrotta took it back | first1=Tracie | last1=Mauriello | first2=Dennis B. | last2=Roddy | date=2008-02-29}}</ref>
On November 14, 2007, LaGrotta was arraigned in [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania]], on two corruption-related felony charges, following the Attorney General's investigation into the [[2006 Pennsylvania General Assembly bonus controversy|2006 bonus controversy]]. According to State [[Attorney General]] [[Tom Corbett]], LaGrotta allegedly used his position to have his sister and niece paid over $26,000 from state funds.<ref>Barnes, Tom. [http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07320/834386-85.stm LaGrotta knew nothing about hefty bonuses, lawyer says], ''[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]'', 2007-11-16. Accessed 2007-11-27.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/103-11142007-1441033.html |title=Ex-lawmaker faces charges as corruption probes roil Pa. House (phillyBurbs.com) |work=Pennsylvania News |accessdate=2008-01-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080203225217/http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/103-11142007-1441033.html |archive-date=2008-02-03 }}</ref> On December 20, he pleaded not guilty to the charges.<ref>{{cite news | title=Bonus storm distracts state Democrats| date=2007-12-23 | publisher=pennlive.com | url =http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2007/12/bonus_storm_consumes_state_dem.html | accessdate = 2008-01-10 }}</ref> On February 3, 2008, LaGrotta pleaded guilty to two felony<ref>[http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/02/05/uss_cole_families_want_suit_reopened Ex-official pleads guilty in job scam], [[Associated Press]] via the ''[[Boston Globe]]'', 2008-02-05. Accessed 2008-02-20.</ref> counts of [[conflict of interest]] for having ghost workers on his payroll. He was sentenced to six months of house arrest, along with probation and fines.<ref>[http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2008/02/former_state_lawmaker_pleads_g.html Ex-legislator sentenced for no-show workers - Midstate PA Local News, Weather, Sports & Entertainment - PennLive.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20080204_A_former_state_rep__pleads_guilty_over_no_show_jobs_.html A former state rep. pleads guilty over no show jobs. | Philadelphia Inquirer | 02/04/2008<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08035/854668-100.stm | work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | title=Ex-Rep. LaGrotta pleads guilty in ghost employee case | first=Tracie | last=Mauriello | date=2008-02-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/breaking/s_550733.html |title=LaGrotta pleads guilty |work=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review }}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{dead link|fix-attempted=yes</ref> He will continue to receive his full pension of $48,000 per year, since conflict of interest convictions do not fall under the [[Pennsylvania State Employees' Retirement System]]'s list of 23 crimes that require pension forfeiture.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08058/860900-100.stm | work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | title=Despite guilty plea, ex-Rep. LaGrotta to get full pension | first=Tracie | last=Mauriello | date=2008-02-27}}</ref> After his guilty plea, he stopped repaying the unvouchered expenses from the [[2005 Pennsylvania General Assembly pay raise controversy|2005 legislative payraise]] and was refunded the amount that he had previously returned.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08060/861390-85.stm | work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | title=After returning raise, LaGrotta took it back | first1=Tracie | last1=Mauriello | first2=Dennis B. | last2=Roddy | date=2008-02-29}}</ref>


== Prescription altering guilty plea==
== Prescription altering guilty plea==
On April 7, 2011, LaGrotta pleaded guilty to altering prescriptions he had submitted to three different pharmacies, in two Pennsylvania counties, to obtain more of the anti-anxiety medication [[Alprazolam|Xanax]].<ref name=Convicted>[http://www.postgazette.com/pg/11098/1137928-100.stm ''Former Rep. LaGrotta admits altering prescriptions'', [[Associated Press|AP]] report published in the [[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]], 8 April 2011.] Retrieved 8 April 2011.</ref> His plea included admissions of guilt in fraudulently obtaining a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and [[forgery]] (for changing the date of prescriptions from March to May 2010, changing daily dosing instructions from two to three per day, and changing the number of pills prescribed from 120 to 180.)<ref name=Convicted /> His sentencing (which could include incarceration) was [[Docket (court)|docketed]] for June 7, 2011.<ref name=Convicted />
On April 7, 2011, LaGrotta pleaded guilty to altering prescriptions he had submitted to three different pharmacies, in two Pennsylvania counties, to obtain more of the anti-anxiety medication [[Alprazolam|Xanax]].<ref name=Convicted>[http://www.postgazette.com/pg/11098/1137928-100.stm ''Former Rep. LaGrotta admits altering prescriptions''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411064129/http://postgazette.com/pg/11098/1137928-100.stm |date=2011-04-11 }}, [[Associated Press|AP]] report published in the [[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]], 8 April 2011. Retrieved 8 April 2011.</ref> His plea included admissions of guilt in fraudulently obtaining a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and [[forgery]] (for changing the date of prescriptions from March to May 2010, changing daily dosing instructions from two to three per day, and changing the number of pills prescribed from 120 to 180.)<ref name=Convicted /> His sentencing (which could include incarceration) was [[Docket (court)|docketed]] for June 7, 2011.<ref name=Convicted />


==Post-legislative career==
==Post-legislative career==
In spite of his legal troubles, LaGrotta received $30,000 per year in his legislative pension.<ref name=micek>{{cite news | last = Micek| first = John| authorlink = John L. Micek| title = A Chat With Frank LaGrotta.| newspaper = [[The Morning Call]]| date =August 3, 2009| url = http://blogs.mcall.com/capitol_ideas/2009/08/a-chat-with-frank-lagrotta.html}}</ref> He is writing a book about his experiences and has launched a blog ''Politics As (Not) Usual,'' where he gives his unique perspective on political issues.<ref name=micek /> The book, which cannot be published until his probation ends, is tentatively titled ''Be Careful, I’m Wired.''<ref>{{cite news | last = Mel | first = MaryAlice | title = Sharing Thoughts: Frank LaGrotta joins bloggers with focus on politics| newspaper = [[New Castle News]]| publisher = [[Community Newspaper Holdings]]| date = July 31, 2009 | url = http://www.ncnewsonline.com/today/local_story_212095442.html}}</ref> He is also teaching a class on politics and government at [[Franciscan University of Steubenville]] in [[Ohio]].<ref name=micek /> In an interview with journalist [[John Micek]] of ''[[The Morning Call]],'' LaGrotta said that following his house arrest, he was returning to [[Catholicism]] and contemplating his legislative career.<ref name=micek />
In spite of his legal troubles, LaGrotta received $30,000 per year in his legislative pension.<ref name=micek>{{cite news | last = Micek| first = John| author-link = John L. Micek| title = A Chat With Frank LaGrotta.| newspaper = [[The Morning Call]]| date =August 3, 2009| url = http://blogs.mcall.com/capitol_ideas/2009/08/a-chat-with-frank-lagrotta.html}}</ref> He is writing a book about his experiences and has launched a blog ''Politics As (Not) Usual,'' where he gives his unique perspective on political issues.<ref name=micek /> The book, which cannot be published until his probation ends, is tentatively titled ''Be Careful, I'm Wired.''<ref>{{cite news | last = Mel | first = MaryAlice | title = Sharing Thoughts: Frank LaGrotta joins bloggers with focus on politics| newspaper = [[New Castle News]]| publisher = [[Community Newspaper Holdings]]| date = July 31, 2009 | url = http://www.ncnewsonline.com/today/local_story_212095442.html}}</ref> He is also teaching a class on politics and government at [[Franciscan University of Steubenville]] in [[Ohio]].<ref name=micek /> In an interview with journalist [[John Micek]] of ''[[The Morning Call]],'' LaGrotta said that following his house arrest, he was returning to [[Catholicism]] and contemplating his legislative career.<ref name=micek />


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://lagrottablog.blogspot.com LaGrotta's blog]
*[http://lagrottablog.blogspot.com LaGrotta's blog]
*[http://web.archive.org/web/20060929005311/http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/house_bio.cfm?districtnumber=10 Pennsylvania House of Representatives - Frank LaGrotta] Official PA House website (archived)
*{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060929005311/http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/house_bio.cfm?districtnumber=10 |date=September 29, 2006 |title=Pennsylvania House of Representatives - Frank LaGrotta }} Official PA House website


{{s-start}}
{{s-start}}
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{{succession box|title= Member of the [[Pennsylvania House of Representatives]] for the [[Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 10|10th District]]|before=[[Ralph D. Pratt]]|after=[[Jaret Gibbons]]|years=1987 &ndash; 2006}}
{{succession box|title= Member of the [[Pennsylvania House of Representatives]] for the [[Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 10|10th District]]|before=[[Ralph D. Pratt]]|after=[[Jaret Gibbons]]|years=1987 &ndash; 2006}}
{{s-end}}
{{s-end}}

{{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Lagrotta, Frank}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lagrotta, Frank}}
[[Category:1958 births]]
[[Category:1958 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American journalists]]
[[Category:People from Ellwood City, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives]]
[[Category:American people of Italian descent]]
[[Category:American male journalists]]
[[Category:Democratic Party members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives]]
[[Category:University of Notre Dame alumni]]
[[Category:University of Notre Dame alumni]]
[[Category:Pennsylvania Democrats]]
[[Category:American bloggers]]
[[Category:American bloggers]]
[[Category:American people of Italian descent]]
[[Category:Pennsylvania politicians convicted of crimes]]
[[Category:21st-century American non-fiction writers]]
[[Category:Catholics from Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:American male bloggers]]
[[Category:20th-century members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly]]
[[Category:21st-century members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly]]

Latest revision as of 10:08, 7 December 2024

Frank LaGrotta
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
from the 10th district
In office
January 6, 1987[1] – November 30, 2006[2]
Preceded byRalph Pratt
Succeeded byJaret Gibbons
Personal details
Born (1958-11-25) November 25, 1958 (age 66)
Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Residence(s)Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, U.S.
EducationUniversity of Notre Dame (BA, MA)
University of Pittsburgh
ProfessionJournalist

Frank LaGrotta (November 25, 1958) is a former Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 10th District from 1987 to 2006.

Personal life

[edit]

LaGrotta was born in Ellwood City.[3] He is an alumnus of Riverside High School.[4] He graduated from the University of Notre Dame, having received a Bachelor of Arts in 1980 and a Master of Arts in 1981.[3] He is the grandson of immigrants.[5]

After graduation, LaGrotta worked as a sports journalist with Gannett News Service from 1981 to 1983. LaGrotta returned home to work as office manager for Ralph Pratt, who was then the representative for the 10th district.[5] He also served as Legislative Director of the Beaver County Legislative Delegation from 1983 to 1986.[3]

Political career

[edit]

Upon Pratt's election as a judge, LaGrotta ran for his boss's seat. In 1986 he defeated Republican Jim Gerlach, who later became a U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 6th congressional district.[5] LaGrotta was considered a Casey Democrat because of his pro-life stance and his strong ties to organized labor.[5]

He won re-election nine times, largely with token Republican opposition. He faced one serious challenge in the GOP landslide year of 1994 winning with only 53% of the vote. After the 1994 scare, LaGrotta ran unopposed in four of his last five races.[6]

In 1992, LaGrotta ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district against incumbent Democrat Joseph P. Kolter who was implicated in the Congressional Post Office scandal. He finished fourth in a four-way primary that also included Ron Klink, the victor, and fellow state Representative Mike Veon.[7]

During his tenure, LaGrotta established himself as a strong advocate for his district, securing funds for 11 bridges in Ellwood City, leading opposition to a hazardous waste facility in his district, and lobbying for public works projects.[5]

2006 primary election

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LaGrotta ran for re-election for an eleventh term, but was defeated in the primary for the 2006 election by political newcomer Jaret Gibbons. The margin of defeat was 28 votes.[8][9]

The election focused on LaGrotta's support for the controversial 2005 legislative pay raise.[10]

Following the election, LaGrotta was appointed to fill a vacant seat on the Lawrence County Housing Authority in December 2006. He resigned this position in October 2007.[4]

[edit]
Main article: 2006 Pennsylvania General Assembly bonus controversy

On November 14, 2007, LaGrotta was arraigned in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on two corruption-related felony charges, following the Attorney General's investigation into the 2006 bonus controversy. According to State Attorney General Tom Corbett, LaGrotta allegedly used his position to have his sister and niece paid over $26,000 from state funds.[11][12] On December 20, he pleaded not guilty to the charges.[13] On February 3, 2008, LaGrotta pleaded guilty to two felony[14] counts of conflict of interest for having ghost workers on his payroll. He was sentenced to six months of house arrest, along with probation and fines.[15][16][17][18] He will continue to receive his full pension of $48,000 per year, since conflict of interest convictions do not fall under the Pennsylvania State Employees' Retirement System's list of 23 crimes that require pension forfeiture.[19] After his guilty plea, he stopped repaying the unvouchered expenses from the 2005 legislative payraise and was refunded the amount that he had previously returned.[20]

Prescription altering guilty plea

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On April 7, 2011, LaGrotta pleaded guilty to altering prescriptions he had submitted to three different pharmacies, in two Pennsylvania counties, to obtain more of the anti-anxiety medication Xanax.[21] His plea included admissions of guilt in fraudulently obtaining a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and forgery (for changing the date of prescriptions from March to May 2010, changing daily dosing instructions from two to three per day, and changing the number of pills prescribed from 120 to 180.)[21] His sentencing (which could include incarceration) was docketed for June 7, 2011.[21]

Post-legislative career

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In spite of his legal troubles, LaGrotta received $30,000 per year in his legislative pension.[22] He is writing a book about his experiences and has launched a blog Politics As (Not) Usual, where he gives his unique perspective on political issues.[22] The book, which cannot be published until his probation ends, is tentatively titled Be Careful, I'm Wired.[23] He is also teaching a class on politics and government at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio.[22] In an interview with journalist John Micek of The Morning Call, LaGrotta said that following his house arrest, he was returning to Catholicism and contemplating his legislative career.[22]

References

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  1. ^ "SESSION OF 1987 - 171ST OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY - No. 1" (PDF). Legislative Journal. Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 1987-01-06.
  2. ^ Per Article II, Section 2 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, the legislative session ended on November 30, 2006.
  3. ^ a b c Biography Archived February 13, 2006, at the Wayback Machine at Project Vote Smart
  4. ^ a b Walter, Kori (2007-11-14). "All in the Family". Beaver County Times.
  5. ^ a b c d e Roddy, Dennis (2007-11-15). "LaGrotta rose fast as Casey Democrat". Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
  6. ^ "Frank LaGrotta Candidate Detail". OurCampaigns.com. Retrieved 2008-01-09.
  7. ^ "1992 General Primary". Sourced from 1994 Almanac of American Politics. OurCampaigns.com. Retrieved 2008-01-09.
  8. ^ "2006 General Primary". Pennsylvania Department of State. 2006-05-16.
  9. ^ "State House races: Pistella, LaGrotta, Stevenson out; Veon wins". Pittsburgh Post Gazette. 2006-05-17.
  10. ^ "Lessons unlearned". Bucks County Courier Times. 2007-11-18. Archived from the original on 2007-10-19.
  11. ^ Barnes, Tom. LaGrotta knew nothing about hefty bonuses, lawyer says, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2007-11-16. Accessed 2007-11-27.
  12. ^ "Ex-lawmaker faces charges as corruption probes roil Pa. House (phillyBurbs.com)". Pennsylvania News. Archived from the original on 2008-02-03. Retrieved 2008-01-08.
  13. ^ "Bonus storm distracts state Democrats". pennlive.com. 2007-12-23. Retrieved 2008-01-10.
  14. ^ Ex-official pleads guilty in job scam, Associated Press via the Boston Globe, 2008-02-05. Accessed 2008-02-20.
  15. ^ Ex-legislator sentenced for no-show workers - Midstate PA Local News, Weather, Sports & Entertainment - PennLive.com
  16. ^ A former state rep. pleads guilty over no show jobs. | Philadelphia Inquirer | 02/04/2008
  17. ^ Mauriello, Tracie (2008-02-04). "Ex-Rep. LaGrotta pleads guilty in ghost employee case". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  18. ^ "LaGrotta pleads guilty". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.[permanent dead link‍]{{dead link|fix-attempted=yes
  19. ^ Mauriello, Tracie (2008-02-27). "Despite guilty plea, ex-Rep. LaGrotta to get full pension". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  20. ^ Mauriello, Tracie; Roddy, Dennis B. (2008-02-29). "After returning raise, LaGrotta took it back". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  21. ^ a b c Former Rep. LaGrotta admits altering prescriptions Archived 2011-04-11 at the Wayback Machine, AP report published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 8 April 2011. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  22. ^ a b c d Micek, John (August 3, 2009). "A Chat With Frank LaGrotta". The Morning Call.
  23. ^ Mel, MaryAlice (July 31, 2009). "Sharing Thoughts: Frank LaGrotta joins bloggers with focus on politics". New Castle News. Community Newspaper Holdings.
[edit]
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 10th District
1987 – 2006 		Succeeded by
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