Cocaine, Stolen Money, Insurance Scandal: Inside ‘RHONJ’ Star Frank Catania’s Criminal Past!
Cocaine, Stolen Money, Insurance Scandal: Inside ‘RHONJ’ Star Frank Catania’s Criminal Past!
Reality TV personalities often invite scrutiny into their personal lives, but few instances are as shocking as the revelations surrounding Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dolores Catania’s ex-husband, Frank Catania.
Amid a backdrop of luxury and opulence, Frank Catania’s past is marred by a cocaine conviction, stolen money, and involvement in an insurance scandal, shedding light on a criminal history that contrasts starkly with his on-screen persona.
Let’s delve into the shocking revelations surrounding Real Housewives of New Jersey star Frank Catania’s criminal past, including a cocaine conviction, stolen money, and involvement in an insurance scandal.
Disbarment
Frank Catania’s disbarment, which occurred in August 2017 and took effect in November of the same year, came under scrutiny due to a lapse in communication from the Office of Attorney Ethics regarding the reasons behind the decision.
Admitted to the bar on June 6, 1991, Frank primarily concentrated on real estate transactions, with court documents obtained by All About The Tea revealing his involvement in over a hundred closings.
Stolen Money
One notable case in 2010 saw Frank Catania representing a couple and the husband’s mother in a real estate deal necessitating a state grant due to the property’s location. However, discrepancies arose during the closing process when it was discovered that $190,000 needed to be placed in an escrow account for tile insurance. Despite this requirement, Wells Fargo Bank wired $287,212.80 to Frank’s trust account, which he then credited to his client.
Subsequently, Frank disbursed $150,000 to an unrelated account, Cattino Fitness, with the memo line indicating it was a client contribution, although Anthony Rottino, the owner of Cattino Fitness, had no connection to the property sale. Further disbursements were made to a law firm for services unrelated to the real estate transaction but linked to a Harley Davidson business co-owned by Frank and Rottino.
The Audit
An audit of Frank’s firm in June 2012 revealed discrepancies in client ledger cards, with funds missing from two accounts totaling $10,503.69. Despite directives to rectify the shortfall within two weeks, Frank failed to comply. Subsequent explanations offered by Frank, including attributing the shortage to client misunderstandings, were deemed inadequate by the disciplinary review board, which ultimately voted to disbar him.
Insurance Fraud
Frank Catania fell under scrutiny again in 2014, after it was discovered that he and his family were granted health benefits, even though his job with the city of Hackensack, NJ was part time. This information became public, shortly after his hiring. Frank’s friend and business partner, former interim City Manager, Anthony Rottino, denied approving the benefits as did his his predecessor, Stephen Lo Iacono.
Cocaine Conviction
Additionally, Frank Catania was busted and charged in 1988 with possession of cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, pleading guilty to the crime in 1989. Frank was sentenced to three years probation, in April of 1990. He was ordered to submit to urine testing, an outpatient drug rehab program and a suspension of his driver’s license for six months. He was also required to pay $1,080 in fines and late fees.
Dolores Catania Plays Dumb
Interestingly, Dolores claimed she was unaware of his disbarment until informed by a third party, however, many fans believe the opposite as the case made local news.
Stay Connected With All About The Tea: Twitter Ι Instagram Ι YouTube Ι Facebook Ι Send Us Tips
