Follow the Money: Unearthing the Councilman’s Deals

When it comes to corruption, the truth often hides in the details: a transaction too neat, a document too clean, or a donation that seems just a little too generous. My investigation into Councilman Anthony DeRosa’s alleged backroom dealings has uncovered all three—and then some.

What started as whispers of bribes and favoritism in South Philly’s booming construction industry is becoming something much bigger. A paper trail is emerging, linking Councilman DeRosa to financial transactions that raise serious questions about his integrity and his connections to the Marcuccio crime family.

If you missed the beginning of this investigation, you can catch up here: The Cost of Progress: Is South Philly's Construction Boom Built on Bribes?.

The Shell Company Connection

The key to any investigation is following the money. In this case, the trail begins with Southside Development LLC, the firm awarded several lucrative city contracts under DeRosa’s watch. Publicly, Southside Development appears to be a legitimate business. Privately, it’s a tangled web of shell companies and opaque financial dealings.

According to financial records leaked by a source close to the investigation, Southside Development funneled money to a company called Harbor Solutions—a nondescript entity with no physical office, no employees, and no clear business purpose. Harbor Solutions, in turn, made sizable “consulting payments” to accounts linked to DeRosa’s campaign fund and, more alarmingly, his personal bank accounts.

Leaked Emails and Shady Transactions

The trail doesn’t end there. A cache of emails leaked to Exposure reveals direct communication between a representative of Southside Development and a key figure in DeRosa’s office. The emails discuss “facilitating smooth approvals” and include references to upcoming city council votes.

In one particularly damning exchange, a payment of $250,000 is described as “ensuring cooperation on the next phase.” The timing of this payment coincides with a city council vote that greenlit a multi-million-dollar housing development spearheaded by Southside Development.

Marcuccio Family Involvement

Where does the Marcuccio crime family fit into all this? Harbor Solutions, the shell company funneling payments to DeRosa, is partially owned by a known associate of the Marcuccio family. This associate, who has faced allegations of racketeering in the past, is no stranger to using shell companies to obscure financial dealings.

While there’s no direct evidence yet linking DeRosa to the Marcuccios, the connections are becoming harder to ignore. The Marcuccios’ historical grip on South Philly’s construction industry makes it difficult to believe they’re uninvolved in this scheme.

The Cost of Silence

When I reached out to DeRosa’s office for comment, I received no response. Southside Development also declined to answer questions, instead issuing a vague statement about “ensuring community growth through public-private partnerships.”

But silence speaks volumes. For every unanswered question, there’s a story waiting to be told—and this one is far from over.

What Happens Next?

The paper trail is widening, and the implications are staggering. Campaign donations, bribes disguised as consulting fees, and the shadow of organized crime—this is more than just corruption. It’s a blueprint for how power operates in the shadows.

I’ll continue to follow the money and uncover the truth. The next steps in this investigation could expose more than just Councilman DeRosa’s dealings—they could reveal the underpinnings of a system that’s been rigged for decades.

If you have information that can help, I encourage you to reach out. Anonymity is guaranteed.

Stay vigilant,
Will Ryland