Appeals Court Upholds Former County Councilman's Theft Conviction

PITTSBURGH (AP) — An appeals court has upheld the sentence of a former western Pennsylvania councilman convicted of improperly using $50,000 from the trust fund of an elderly widow with dementia.

Former Allegheny County councilman Charles McCullough was sentenced in 2015 to 2½ to five years in prison on convictions of felony theft and misdemeanor misapplication of entrusted funds.

The 65-year-old Upper St. Clair resident argued at his oft-delayed trial that he had approval to use the money in 2006 and 2007.

The defense argued insufficient evidence and denial of due process when McCullough sought removal of the trial judge. The Superior Court rejected both arguments and upheld the conviction and sentence Wednesday. A message seeking comment was left with his attorney.

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