Gambling Addiction Destroys A Connecticut Family

LaSaracina attorneys say client undone by gambling
By Brian Hallenbeck
Publication: The Day

Leniency sought for former 'rock star' accountant

Arguing for leniency in the upcoming sentencing of F. Robert LaSaracina, attorneys for the former Norwich accountant described their client as a one-time "rock star" whose undoing was an "all-consuming" gambling addiction.

LaSaracina, 60, pleaded guilty in July to wire fraud and willful failure to collect or pay taxes, felony counts that carry a maximum prison term of 25 years. Under a plea agreement, the government has recommended he be imprisoned for 63 to 78 months.

Judge Christopher F. Droney has set sentencing for Nov. 3.

The link between LaSaracina's legal troubles and problem gambling first became public following his Oct. 20, 2010, arrest on federal charges. Among the conditions of his release on bond were orders that he avoid casinos and be evaluated for a gambling addiction.

The pre-sentencing memorandum filed Monday on LaSaracina's behalf spells it out: "By all accounts, Mr. LaSaracina was a 'rock star' in New London County. A member of many boards and charitable organizations, a highly sought-after accounting professional for individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations and the caretaker of a large family afflicted with tragedy, Mr. LaSaracina was secretly plagued by an all-consuming addiction which literally destroyed his life - gambling."

The memorandum, signed by attorneys Hubert Santos and Jessica Santos, who are not related, urge the court to consider a sentence "below the advisory Guidelines" that formed the basis of the recommended sentence. In the conclusion of the 98-page memo, the attorneys write, "Based upon a complete review of Mr. LaSaracina's background, history and character … a sufficient and just sentence in this case is a sentence well below the applicable Guidelines range."

At one point, the partially redacted memo notes that although the advisory sentencing guidelines recommend incarceration in cases like LaSaracina's, "probation is authorized by statute."

In the plea agreement, LaSaracina and the government stipulated that from about November 2001 to September 2010, LaSaracina bilked more than 20 "victim-investors" of at least $2.5 million in fraudulent investment schemes. The victims included beneficiaries of a Norwich estate for which LaSaracina was trustee.

LaSaracina also faces hefty fines and an order that he make restitution to his victims.

The attorneys' memo notes that the parties disagree sharply over the total amount attributable to LaSaracina's unlawful conduct. While the government puts the figure at more than $5.8 million, LaSaracina maintains that it is only "slightly more than $2.5 million," or $2,564,416.30.

LaSaracina's attorneys also contend that the $2.3 million the government claims he owes the Norwich estate - known as the Kauppinen Trust - "is vastly overstated." LaSaracina, in the plea agreement, admitted to diverting $1.2 million from the trust to his personal use.

Much of the pre-sentencing memo is devoted to LaSaracina's personal and professional history, character references and descriptions of his contributions to the community. Dozens of letters written in his behalf were filed with the court Monday.

The memo describes LaSaracina as a "prototypical workaholic," the caring patriarch of a family beset by illnesses and other setbacks and an often unsung contributor to the community.

Over three decades, the memo states, LaSaracina built F. Robert LaSaracina, CPA, LLC into one of the most successful accounting firms in New London County. At its height, it had some 20 employees and generated gross revenues of between $2 million and $3 million, according to the memo.

LaSaracina served on the board of directors of The William W. Backus Hospital and the Jewett City Trust and was the treasurer of the nonprofit Haitian Health Foundation, which he help found.

Divorced this spring from his wife of 41 years, LaSaracina has "truly reached rock-bottom," the memo states.

"I never intended to hurt anyone financially, emotionally or otherwise, but my actions turned peoples' lives upside down and disgraced all those associated with me," LaSaracina says in his partially redacted personal statement to the court.

"Words cannot express how ashamed and sorry I am for what I have done to my community and my family, and I will work for the rest of my life to pay back everything that I have taken from them."