Bethel Park councilman resigns to fight charges

Colella named in pair of criminal complaints

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Bethel Park Councilman Brandon Colella announced his resignation Thursday in the face of a drugrelated charge in Bethel Park and accusations of defrauding an elderly woman in Jefferson Hills through his construction company.

“My client has a deep commitment to his community and it was with a heavy heart that he resigned his council seat so that the defense of the charges against him does not create a distraction to the important work of council,” said Mr. Colella’s attorney, John A. Biedrzycki, in an emailed statement.

On Monday, Mr. Colella, 38, was charged with selling the prescription drug Vyvanse, used to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, to a woman in Bethel Park, according a police criminal complaint.

In a separate charge July 11, Mr. Colella was accused of home improvement fraud, deceptive business practices, theft by deception and passing a bad check.

Betty Bisacca of Jefferson Hills had hired Colella Construction in April to repair the roof and replace the sky lights in her home. Mr. Colella asked for a $7,500 deposit and told her the work would begin in two weeks, according to a Jefferson Hills Police criminal complaint.

But Colella Construction never started the work, and Mr. Colella stated months later that he no longer wanted the job.

He returned the deposit and deducted $600 for a restocking fee, but when Ms. Bisacca attempted to cash the check, it was denied, showing insufficient funds.

He’s been charged with home improvement fraud, theft by deception. deceptive or fraudulent business practices, and issuing bad checks.

Mr. Colella declined to comment for the story. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Wednesday before Elizabeth District Judge Beth Mills.