Fina leaves D.A.’s Office

Frank G. Fina, an attorney who sent and received numerous anti-LGBT emails while a state employee, no longer works at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.

Cameron Kline, a spokesperson for the D.A.’s Office, issued this statement about Fina’s departure:

“I can confirm that the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office accepted Mr. Frank Fina’s letter of resignation which was dated May 9, 2016, and his last day with the office was Tuesday, June 1, 2016. District Attorney R. Seth Williams wishes Mr. Fina the best after his many decades of service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia.”

Fina, 52, began working at the D.A.’s Office on Jan. 22, 2013. His annual salary was $124,200.

Several years ago, when Fina worked at the state Attorney General’s Office, he sent and received numerous anti-LGBT emails.

In 2015, after Fina’s emails became public, many community leaders and the National Organization for Women called for his ouster from the D.A.’s Office.

Williams refused to fire Fina, but said he received sensitivity training along with other staffers at the D.A.’s Office.

City Councilwoman Cindy Bass issued this statement about Fina’s resignation:

“Fina’s circulation of racist, sexist and homophobic materials on the taxpayers’ dime is finally resolved by his own resignation. His actions have left a trail of anger and outrage, as well as a lack of confidence in our district attorney and the entire office — which is charged with serving our citizens. The revelations of how widespread this activity was among prosecutors, judges and attorneys was brought to light and is now being extinguished. But there is still much work to be done, as we ensure that those charged with fighting for justice represent our citizenry in a way that is respectful and honorable.”

Fina couldn’t be reached for comment.

The email scandal was uncovered by Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane, while reviewing a previous administration’s handling of the Jerry Sandusky child-molestation case.

Kane’s office is expected to issue a report about the email scandal within the next several weeks. 

 

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Tim Cwiek
Tim Cwiek has been writing for PGN since the 1970s. He holds a bachelor's degree in history from West Chester State University. In 2013, he received a Sigma Delta Chi Investigative Reporting Award from the Society of Professional Journalists for his reporting on the Nizah Morris case. Cwiek was the first reporter for an LGBT media outlet to win an award from that national organization. He's also received awards from the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association, the National Newspaper Association, the Keystone Press and the Pennsylvania Press Club.