Phoenixville Director of Code Enforcement Allegedly Stole from Resident

According to an affidavit obtained by Phoenixville Patch, Frank Tallarico, who served as code enforcement director in Phoenixville for nearly seven years, allegedly stole $200 from a borough resident during an inspection.

“Tallarico did admit to detectives that he did enter [an address on the 800 block of West Bridge Street] and did locate two $100 bills inside the front door in the living room area and did take the money knowing it was not his,” the affidavit states.

The alleged incident occurred Nov. 23 at approximately 1:30 p.m. A residence in the 800 block of Bridge Street was filling with smoke, and the Phoenixville Fire Department responded.

When firefighters arrived, they extinguished a small fire and noted a possible electrical hazard in the basement of the home.

Tallarico was called in as code enforcement director, and he spoke with the home’s owner about codes issues on the property.

“[The victim] went back into her home after the firefighters left,” the affidavit alleges. “She put two $100 bills on her computer table and left the house.”

Both the victim and her mother reportedly saw Tallarico enter the home and then exit the home.

“When [the victim] went inside seconds later she found that the money was missing,” the affidavit alleges. “[The victim and her mother] confronted Frank John Tallarico about the missing money and he denied taking it.”

Police were notified by the victims. Because Tallarico is a borough employee, the investigation was handed over to Chester County Detectives. Two detectives interviewed Tallarico, who said he took the money and used it for groceries.

Detectives determined Tallarico should be charged the misdemeanors theft by unlawful taking or disposition and receiving stolen property. He is scheduled to be arraigned April 28 before District Judge Theodore Michaels in Phoenixville.

According to Borough Manager Jean Krack, Tallarico resigned his post March 29.