LaRosa Must Repay
Unemployment Compensation

It was determined that former Lee Memorial Health System elected director Frank LaRosa was receiving unemployment compensation he did not deserve. Elected officials in the state of Florida do not qualify to receive unemployment. But, LaRosa filed an appeal concerning his unemployment compensation claim.

An appeal hearing regarding LaRosa’s unemployment claim was held on Aug. 17, 2012. At this hearing, the unemployment office ruled in favor of Lee Memorial Health System (LMHS) that LaRosa is not eligible for unemployment compensation and that he must repay LMHS the amount he received that was revealed in a written statement by Mary Briggs, system director, media relations for LMHS.

During a phone interview with the Lehigh Acres Gazette, LaRosa stated he gave all his unemployment compensation to a family in need that lives in a trailer. But he refused to give the name or address of that
family.  Also, he stated all his income from serving on the LMHS board member went to the needy. However, again LaRosa refused to reveal to whom he gave made these charitable donations.

Larosa said he believed it was OK to file for unemployment. He said later he thought he was eligible since the state didn’t original deny him.

“He knew it at the time he filed that he should not have filed,” said Jim Humphrey, counsel for Lee Memorial Health System.

Larosa lost his bid for reelection to the LMHS board in November 2010 and subsequently filed for unemployment benefits claiming there was no work available.

Documents shows that LaRosa filed for unemployment in January 2011 claiming “lack of work,” receiving $135 a week – money a Florida administrative judge said he wasn’t entitled to because he wasn’t an
employee.

“It’s in the code of ethics and Florida law. That’s something that is out there,” said Humphrey.

In a statement from the Department of Economic Opportunity, officials said there have been no charges of fraud against Larosa.

They also stated he is required to repay more than $5,500 – money the health system won’t get back until he pays up.

“If he is running for another public office, which is public trust, he would reimburse the health system and the state,” Humphrey said.

During a phone interview, LaRosa said “I’m a millionaire and I’ll pay back the money”.

LaRosa is currently running as a candidate for East County Water Control District. He served on the Lee Memorial Health System board from 2006-2010 and also has served on the Lehigh Acres Fire commission for more than 10 years.