Ratkovich’s sentencing postponed

Oct. 22, 20100

By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com

A conspirator in the Affordable Housing mortgage scandal had his sentencing date moved to December.

Acting yesterday on a motion from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Senior District Judge Gustave Diamond rescheduled Robert Ratkovich’s court appearance from Wednesday to 10 a.m. Dec. 14 in Pittsburgh federal court.

The former New Castle city councilman pleaded guilty in July 2009 to felony counts of conspiracy involving mail and bank fraud in addition to money laundering. Prosecutors said Ratkovich helped defraud First Commonwealth Bank of $250,000 in his role as consultant to Affordable Housing of Lawrence County.

The nonprofit agency was created in 2003 by the Lawrence County Housing Authority, where he was employed as maintenance supervisor. He resigned that position two months prior to entering his plea.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan T. Conway sought the delay as the government prepares to try Anthony Staph Jr. and Nicholas DeRosa.

Staph, a real estate appraiser, faces a felony count of bank fraud. He is accused of inflating the values of seven properties Affordable Housing purchased in December 2005. DeRosa and Ratkovich reportedly oversaw the sale.

A retired city school administrator and former city councilman, DeRosa is charged with one count of bank fraud, two counts of mail fraud and one count of money laundering conspiracy.

Their trial is scheduled for Nov. 1. The date may be moved in response to motions filed by Staph’s attorney on Oct. 12.

The government said in its motion that as part of Ratkovich’s plea arrangement he agreed to cooperate in the investigation against Staph and DeRosa. Moving the sentencing date will allow Ratkovich to complete his obligation, prosecutors said.