PITTSBURGH — An investigation into possible financial corruption at Pittsburgh City Hall is progressing, with official law enforcement actions expected next week following search warrants previously served at City Hall.
The probe focuses on thousands of documents seized earlier this year related to an ongoing investigation into the administration of former Mayor Ed Gainey.
Investigators found that municipal taxpayer money failed to reach its intended destinations, including community initiatives and public assistance services.
Previous coverage >>> 11 Investigates: City Hall search warrant whistleblower sets record straight
District Attorney Stephen Zappala detailed that the unaccounted-for funds were specifically designated for vulnerable groups and local services, including seniors, job training initiatives and children’s programs.
Zappala strongly criticized the handling of public funds and labeled the missing money as fraudulent schemes.
“Seniors, job training, children’s programs. These are scams. That’s what we are talking about today. It was reprehensible,” Zappala said, after speaking at an event to educate senior citizens about fraud and scams.
Zappala expressed frustration with the alleged misuse of tax dollars, noting the broader financial strain on local working residents. He emphasized that the findings extend beyond traditional political wrongdoing.
“I’m disappointed. People work too hard, and the economy is what it is, and they’re throwing tax dollars away. This is worse than corruption. It’s more fundamental than that,” Zappala said
The search warrant unsealed last month also included a reference to Marty Langford, the president of the West End Youth Football Association, who was indicted along with seven others by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.
In court filings, the feds provided surveillance photos they say show Langford dealing cocaine from his truck at the field with kids all around.
Channel 11 Chief Investigator Earle asked Zappala if they are looking at Langford for the stop the violence funds that he received from the city of Pittsburgh.
“We have a lot of questions. We’re having trouble accounting for any public purpose that was being accomplished through those funds,” said Zappala.
According to the Controller’s office, Langford’s football program received nearly $70,000 from the city of Pittsburgh in Stop the Violence funds.
Investigators expect to begin carrying out official actions next week following the extensive document review. “Things are progressing. We generated a lot of documents. We will probably have some activity next week. It’s a little premature for me to talk about it. We will probably do some things next week in furtherance of those warrants,” Zappala said.
When he was Mayor, Ed Gainey repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and told 11 Investigates he welcomes any investigation by the district attorney.
Gainey has not commented since he left office.
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