PITTSBURGH — The Allegheny District Attorney’s Office has decided against filing charges in an investigation into Pittsburgh’s Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, which is the agency that oversees finances.
The investigation into the ICA’s operation and expenditures and its former executive director, who is the agency’s only employee, was launched in April 2016. Now, more than a year after authorities raided the ICA offices and hauled away boxes of records, the district attorney said no criminal charges will be filed against former executive director Henry Scortino.
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Multiple search warrants were executed during the investigation and a review of evidence determined that criminal charges were not warranted, the district attorney’s office said.
That decision drew a quick response from Mayor Bill Peduto.
"It's questionable why there aren't criminal charges, but that again is the district attorney's decision," Peduto said.
In a one-page news release, District Attorney Stephen Zappala did not offer an explanation, but despite the decision, his office said, he remains concerned about the amount of money spent by the ICA, its inadequate record keeping, lack of proper oversight, use of vendors, violations of the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law and engagement in arguably unnecessary litigation.
A report by the auditor general said during a five-year span, the ICA spent $700,000 in contracts for feasibility studies, and it costs $230,000 a year to operate the agency. That's especially concerning since the ICA was created specifically to make sure the city spends its money wisely.
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Mayor Peduto says since the financial problems surfaced last year, the ICA has undergone major changes and he says the board is now working hand in hand with the city.
Renny Clark, a former Westinghouse executive and University of Pittsburgh administrator, was hired to turn the agency around. Clark told Channel 11 he has addressed many of the issues the district attorney raised.
"We're very visible. We're in compliance with all the rules and regulations, as a state authority," Clark said. "One of the things that I take great pride in, every month, is our account is balanced to the penny."
Channel 11 tried to contact the former executive director, but so far, has not heard back.
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