LaPolla sentenced in Oneida County Court
UTICA, N.Y. — Former, longtime Utica mayor and school board member, Lou LaPolla, in February, pled guilty to petit larceny, a misdemeanor, admitting the crime.
Today in Oneida County Court, perhaps the tougher task of admitting he was wrong.
“For over 60 years, I’ve been in public service. I tried to make a positive impact on our community. I stressed the need to comply with all laws, and urged my family to do likewise. But I failed in this court case. During this time, up to recent violations, I never received any violations, not even a seatbelt violation or traffic ticket,” said LaPolla, at his sentencing in Oneida County Court on Wednesday morning.
LaPolla allowed school district envelopes, stamps, mailing labels and labor, to be used to mail flyers for a fundraiser for a scholarship fund, in his wife’s memory.
His defense attorney, at his sentencing, ask that he be sentenced to community service, instead of 60 days domicile restriction.
The prosecution objected.
“Initially, Mr. LaPolla was charged with a felony. Several felonies. And I think the offer that was conveyed a few months ago is a very reasonable offer, and he did violate the public trust,” said Prosecutor Lauri Lisi, adding that LaPolla was originally charged with a felony.
And, so, three years probation, 60 days domicile restriction it is, along with a $3,100 check LaPolla brought with him to court, Wednesday, for restitution.
That, along with a hope for a clean slate.
“I want to restore my reputation, Judge, in the community, as someone who knows right from wrong. I, again, am sorry,” said LaPolla. “I brought embarrassment to myself, my family, my friends, the community. For this, I am really, truly sorry.”
LaPolla thanked his own attorney for representing him with compassion, the prosecutor, for her fair treatment, and the judge, for always making sure he understood the law.
Former Utica School Superintendent, Bruce Karam, also a defendant in this case, will be sentenced April 19.
Former Utica Mayor and Utica City School District board member Louis LaPolla was sentenced in Oneida County Court on Wednesday.
