Prosecutor In Sting Case Testifies Before Ethics Panel

The Inquirer reports that Frank Fina, who led the now-controversial sting operation against Philly Democrats — later abandoned by Attorney General Kathleen Kane — testified in secret Monday before the House Committee on Ethics.

Frank G. Fina’s appearance before the House panel was the clearest indication yet that the chamber was moving to launch its own inquiry into whether the four lawmakers broke ethics rules or engaged in illegal activity when they accepted cash or money orders from the sting’s undercover operative, Tyron B. Ali.

Because the committee meets in secret, neither Fina nor the panel’s chairman, Rep. Scott Petri (R., Bucks), would comment Monday.

“I can’t even confirm or deny that we met,” Petri said in an interview.

The Inquirer adds: “The committee’s inquiry is expected to focus on the conduct of the House members,” and not on Kane’s decision to drop the investigation.