Dropping Complaint on Use of DeSillers Surgery Fund Urged
A state hearing officer, in a report released Tuesday, recommended dropping an administrative complaint charging Maria DeSillers with misusing money contributed for liver transplants for her son, who died in 1987.
The order by Donald Alexander, a hearing officer for the Department of Administration, leaves open the possibility that action may be taken against DeSillers through the courts.
The state Division of Licensing filed its complaint after allegations that DeSillers used money donated for her son Ronnie’s liver transplants for personal items.
In a recommended order filed Monday, Alexander said the division was barred from punishing DeSillers because state law provides that, when Ronnie died, all contributions became part of his estate. As a result, only a circuit court may make sure that the funds are put to their intended use, he said.
The 7-year-old boy died April 29, 1987, at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa., while awaiting a fourth liver transplant.
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