Pocono News Section

Luzerne Co. Redevelopment Board Suspends Bellas

Luzerne Co. Redevelopment Board Suspends Bellas - Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 4:06PM EST

Reported by: Andy Mehalshick
Tuesday, Oct 13, 2009 @ 04:06pm EDT
WEST PITTSON, LUZERNE COUNTY -- A Luzerne County official who was expected to resign Tuesday has been suspended. This comes as questions arise about his possible connection to the ongoing federal corruption probe in Luzerne County.

Allen Bellas was the Executive Director of the Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority. He was expected to hand in his resignation Tuesday. Several weeks ago he told the Redevelopment Authority Chairman, that he was "in trouble" and had to step down. He did not resign, raising many more questions as to what is going on.

The Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority held an emergency meeting Tuesday to accept the resignation of Allen Bellas. To their surprise they got a letter from Bellas' lawyer saying he would not resign. So they voted to suspended him without pay.

Chairman Paul Paternoster said, "You've heard the rumors as we've heard them but we have nothing definitive as to what he has done."

Also at the meeting was Luzerne County Chairperson Maryanne Petrilla. She came to ensure taxpayers dollars are not in jeopardy. The authority oversees projects that receive county funds. "There's been no indication that projects are in jeopardy but we're in a full disclosure mode at the county. We want to meet all board members and look a all issues out there,Ó she said.

This latest corruption scandal twist has people talking, and many are not surprised.

We tried contacting Mr. Bellas and his lawyer. They could not be reached for comment.

Bellas is also the President of the Wyoming Valley West School Board. The F. B.I. seized records from Valley West this past summer. So far he has not been accused of any wrongdoing.