Local Politician Found Guilty

Frank LaRosa

Former Lee Memorial Health System elected director Frank LaRosa recently was  found guilty by a Florida Administrative Judge for receiving unemployment compensation he did not deserve. Elected officials in the state of Florida do not qualify to receive unemployment compensation.

Documents show LaRosa filed for unemployment compensation after his defeat in the 2010 election.

Lee Memorial Health System Director of Public Relations Mary Briggs said, “The current administration and board have known about the issue for some time.” She continued, “The board had to use its attorney to resolve this issue with the unemployment claims system.” Briggs stated she doesn’t know the amount LaRosa will have to pay back to the state of Florida.  Briggs said she believes LaRosa received more than a year of unemployment compensation.

Kristin Lock, a public relations representative for the State of Florida unemployment office, did state LaRosa received unemployment compensation but could not release any additional information at this time

LaRosa, when reached for comment, replied with a string of expletives not suitable for repetition.

LaRosa is currently running as a candidate for East County Water Control District. He served on the Lee Memorial Health System board from 2006-2010 and also has served on the Lehigh Acres Fire commission for 10 years.

According to the Florida unemployment website, a person found guilty of this same offense could be charged with a up to five years in prison per offense, and up to $5,000 fine per offense, along with  loss of future reemployment benefits plus must repay all benefits to which this person found guilty was not entitled to receive..