Criminal Charges Filed Against Local Official

Dominic Capobianco, the 63-year-old president of the Parkside Borough Council, has been charged with theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property. According to the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, Capobianco allegedly embezzled $2,500 by using a borough-issued gas card to fuel his personal vehicles.

Capobianco turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday morning. He was subsequently released after posting $50,000 unsecured bail.

Misuse of Public Funds

Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse emphasized that the case serves as a reminder that no individual is above the law. “When elected officials misuse public funds, they are not just breaking the law, they are betraying the communities they swore to serve,” Rouse stated. He added that regardless of title or position, those who engage in illegal conduct will be held accountable.

The Investigation Details

The investigation was initiated after Parkside Borough Police Chief Patrick McKeown and Borough Solicitor John Jay Wills discovered irregularities while reviewing the borough’s gas card activity. Capobianco had been issued the card for his duties as a code enforcement officer, a role he held from 2018 until he was appointed council president in January.

The card was intended for use with a 2018 Ford Explorer assigned to his code enforcement duties. However, officials discovered that the card was being used to purchase premium gas—a fuel type the Explorer does not require. Investigators found that the card was used to fuel Capobianco’s personal Nissan Frontier, his wife’s Chevrolet Trax, and, on several occasions, a 5-gallon gas container. Records indicate that 648 gallons of fuel were purchased for personal use between April 2024 and March 15.

Previous Ethical Concerns

This is not the first time Capobianco has faced scrutiny regarding his financial dealings with the borough. He previously submitted an invoice for $7,941.99 for cleaning and disinfectant services allegedly performed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A commission review found no evidence that Capobianco purchased the materials he billed the borough for. Furthermore, the commission noted that he had previously claimed to perform the cleaning services for free as a volunteer, only beginning to submit invoices after learning the borough would receive federal American Rescue Plan Act funding. He also improperly voted to approve his own invoice while serving on the borough council.