Vescera Cleared In Petitions Probe

Utica, NY(WIBX) - Utica councilman Frank Vescera has been cleared in an investigation regarding the petitions he filed in November's election.

His challenger, Alan Pelesic filed a complaint with the Oneida County District Attorney's Office.

The district attorney's office now says the investigation is closed and no criminal charges will be filed.

"I've been doing this for years, and I don't resort to getting petitions incorrectly, or not in the proper protocol," Vescera tells WIBX, who adds that he wanted the investigation conducted prior to the election, but was told it was the policy of the DA's office to examine the issue after the election.

District Attorney Scott McNamara tells the Uticaod.com that his office examined potential criminal wrongdoing, including forgery, but found nothing.

Vescera defeated Pelesic and continues to represent Utica's 1st ward.