1. Frank LaGrotta is a former Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 10th District from 1987 to 2006.
16 Facts About Frank LaGrotta
1. 2.
Frank LaGrotta graduated from the University of Notre Dame, having received a Bachelor of Arts in 1980 and a Master of Arts in 1981.
3.
Frank LaGrotta returned home to work as office manager for Ralph Pratt, who was then the representative for the 10th district.
4.
Frank LaGrotta served as Legislative Director of the Beaver County Legislative Delegation from 1983 to 1986.
5.
Frank LaGrotta was considered a Casey Democrat because of his pro-life stance and his strong ties to organized labor.
6.
Frank LaGrotta won re-election nine times, largely with token Republican opposition.
7.
In 1992, LaGrotta ran for the US House of Representatives in Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district against incumbent Democrat Joseph P Kolter who was implicated in the Congressional Post Office scandal.
8.
Frank LaGrotta finished fourth in a four-way primary that included Ron Klink, the victor, and fellow state Representative Mike Veon.
9.
Frank LaGrotta ran for re-election for an eleventh term, but was defeated in the primary for the 2006 election by political newcomer Jaret Gibbons.
10.
On November 14,2007, Frank LaGrotta was arraigned in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on two corruption-related felony charges, following the Attorney General's investigation into the 2006 bonus controversy.
11.
On February 3,2008, Frank LaGrotta pleaded guilty to two felony counts of conflict of interest for having ghost workers on his payroll.
12.
Frank LaGrotta was sentenced to six months of house arrest, along with probation and fines.
13.
Frank LaGrotta 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.
14.
In spite of his legal troubles, Frank LaGrotta received $30,000 per year in his legislative pension.
15.
Frank LaGrotta is writing a book about his experiences and has launched a blog Politics As Usual, where he gives his unique perspective on political issues.
16.
Frank LaGrotta is teaching a class on politics and government at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio.