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S. Fayette commissioner enters ARD program

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A South Fayette Township commissioner charged with conspiracy, insurance fraud and related charges over expenses related to a house fire in McDonald was admitted Monday in Washington County Court to the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program for first offenders.

Jessica J. Cardillo, 32, of Sturgeon, and her stepmother, Dianne E. Cardillo, 50, were prosecuted by the state attorney general’s office.

Assistant Attorney General Dennis Kistler requested Judge John DiSalle admit Jessica Cardillo to the ARD program and accept a guilty plea from her stepmother as both agreed in open court to testify against a third co-defendant, Michelle D’Angelo, 54, of Profio Road, McDonald, who is scheduled for a court appearance in late March.

Dianne Cardillo had a prior ARD stemming from a drunken driving charge in 2009, said her attorney, Sam Pangburn, so she was ineligible for the program a second time. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft by deception. Charges of insurance fraud were dismissed. She was sentenced to two years of probation and must pay a $1,000 fine and court costs.

In court, the judge asked Dianne Cardillo if she took responsibility for the scheme, and she replied, “Yes.”

Jessica Cardillo must spend 24 months in the ARD program, repay her share to the insurance company and perform 100 hours of community service.

Her attorney, Emily McNally, said after the court proceeding, “This case was handled as a first-time offense. It was an ARD disposition. She is not convicted of anything. She didn’t plead guilty to anything. It should have no effect on her public office.”

Those who successfully complete the program have the opportunity to petition the court to have their charges expunged.

Rick Schuettler, executive director of Pennsylvania Municipal League, answered a reporter’s question by referring to the state Constitution’s section which says an offical can be disqualified because of criminal conviction.

He noted the scheme did not involve township property or funds.

The insurance fraud section of the attorney general’s office began the investigation after being contacted by a representative of Allegany Co-Op Insurance Co. last year.

There was an electrical fire June 18, 2012, at a home in Oakdale where Jessica Cardillo lived. The home was owned by her father, Benjamin Cardillo.

Jessica Cardillo claimed she lived with D’Angelo for three weeks after the fire, paying the woman $1,500 in cash for the stay. D’Angelo allegedly gave her a receipt showing the payment.

Investigators reportedly got conflicting stories about Cardillo’s stay with D’Angelo from the three women. They said D’Angelo later admitted Jessica Cardillo never stayed with her. Jessica Cardillo also allegedly gave the insurance company false receipts for meals from a delicatessen in McDonald. Prosecutors said the receipts were made by Dianne Cardillo, who gave them to her stepdaughter to turn in to the insurance company. One of the receipts was dated for a Monday, when the business is not open, they said.

Jessica Cardillo allegedly told investigators it was her stepmother’s idea to turn in the fraudulent receipts for the food and stay with D’Angelo.

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