Jun 26, 2013 2 min read

A planned recreation center in Jeannette, Westmoreland County, that was never constructed led to last week’s arraignment of an Avella contractor on charges of theft.

Timothy Bongiorni, 47, of 168 Independence Road, was arraigned June 19 on two counts of theft, and one count each of forgery and deceptive business practices before Westmoreland County District Judge Joseph DeMarchis.

Bail was set at $25,000. DeMarchis said he did not believe Bongiorni was a flight risk.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, in 2007 the city of Jeannette received a $65,000 state grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development for construction of an estimated $1.5 million recreation center. That money was provided to Bongiorni, owner of DBA Quality Sheet Metal Erection, for a steel prefabricated building.

The affidavit noted that the project languished and municipal officials “once involved with the project were either replaced, resigned or withdrew their interest” in the plan. However, inquiries were made recently by city officials and members of the recreation board.

When Bongiorni was contacted by the city’s solicitor requesting the funds be returned, Bongiorni offered to return the money in four payments. The district attorney’s office was then asked to conduct a criminal investigation.

Frank Kmetz, a national sales manager with Corle Building Systems, where Bongiorni obtained a quote for the steel structure, told detectives Bongiorni had informed him that the project had been canceled because the grant money had not been forthcoming.

When detectives traveled to Avella June 4 to speak to Bongiorni, he admitted his business was having financial difficulties and he was using the money from the city of Jeannette to pay personal bills and company payroll. He again offered to repay the money. However, detectives prepared a criminal complaint that lead to his arrest.