HUD keeping eye on Conti's troubles

January 20, 2006

PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com

The plea agreement by a Lawrence County Housing Authority board member has the interest of a federal agency.

Donald "Ducky" Conti, of 308 E. Home St., entered into a plea agreement Jan. 18 involving charges of illegal gambling devices and illegal sale of liquor. The charges, filed in 2004 by the state police, resulted from a raid on the former Vita Nuova Club/Family and Friends of Italy at 630 E. Washington St.

"We are in contact with the (Lawrence County District Attorney's) office, and we're requesting a report," said Maria Bynum, a regional public affairs officer for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

HUD is the only source of funding for the housing authority, which is located in Region III. That area covers Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.

"Once we get that report, we'll review it and act accordingly," she said.

HUD took action against a housing authority board member on Nov. 29, when it suspended Gary F. Felasco.

The federal housing agency cited criminal charges against Felasco in his role as county treasurer as reason for the suspension. HUD said it is required to protect the public's interest and maintain integrity.

Copyright (c) 2006, New Castle News