Frank LaGrotta

NEW CASTLE — A former Western Pennsylvania lawmaker was taken from a courtroom on a stretcher after being sentenced to three to 12 months in jail for illegally obtaining anti-anxiety medication.

The 52-year-old represented Butler County as well as portions of Beaver and Lawrence counties during his 20 years in the state house.

Former state Rep. Frank LaGrotta was standing in the Lawrence County courtroom on Monday while being sentenced by visiting Judge Eugene Fike, but sat down and told his attorney that he felt dizzy. Paramedics were called, and LaGrotta was taken out on a stretcher to Ellwood City Hospital as a precaution.

LaGrotta pleaded guilty in April to altering prescriptions he submitted in two counties last year to obtain more of the medication.

The former 10-term legislator was on probation after pleading guilty in 2008 to two counts of conflict of interest.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled to resume Wednesday.