Board Solicitor James Wymard said theft is one of those crimes and the Commonwealth Court has previously ruled that conspiracy, or the intent, to steal amounts to the same thing, so the penalties should be the same.
Sergeant Mike LaPorte, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Fort Pitt Lodge No. 1, disagreed, saying he didn’t think Harper should lose his pension.
“I don’t think those crimes warranted (removing his pension),” he said.
Stretton said the move to strip Harper’s pension is “grossly excessive” given what he did versus his length of service.
Louis “Hop” Kendrick said he doesn’t see it that way.
“He knew exactly what he was doing. He was the chief,” said Kendrick. “When I was a county detective a guy offered me $100,000 for the name of an informant, and I admit I was tempted, until I thought about what could happen. So, I don’t feel sorry for him at all.”
Neither Mayor Luke Ravenstahl nor Mayor-elect Bill Peduto would comment on revoking Harper’s pension.
Harper is set to be sentenced Feb 25.
(Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
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