PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The man who ran Philadelphia’s major city-sponsored events for many years will spend 15 months behind bars for embezzling $150,000 while he was a city official.
Leo Dignam was sentenced Wednesday for taking money from two non-profits set up to help Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and a youth baseball program.
He pleaded guilty to wire fraud and embezzlement charges in November.
Dignam worked for the city for 38 years, eventually becoming deputy commissioner for programs.
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In that job, he ran events including the Mummers Parade, the Philadelphia Marathon and the Broad Street Run.
Federal prosecutors say that, from 2012 to 2019, he used money from the two accounts to pay for personal expenses.
He resigned last November, just days before the charges were announced.
“This defendant abused the considerable level of trust placed in him by his superiors and the citizens of Philadelphia,” said acting U.S. Attorney Williams in a statement. “His inexcusable behavior, stealing money from public programs designed to serve city youth and Parks and Recreation supporters, has now been met with swift and serious consequences in federal court.”
Paul Dignam, his brother who is also a Parks and Recreation official, pleaded guilty to similar charges in the case. He is scheduled to be sentenced next week.