Clearfield County Commissioners have confirmed to 6 News that DuBois City Manager John “Herm” Suplizio has been placed on administrative leave after he was charged earlier this week for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The Commissioners told us that they were notified by city officials that Suplizio has been suspended.
On Monday, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office announced theft and fraud charges against Suplizio following a months-long investigation. Suplizio was still clocking in at the DuBois city hall as city manager, as late as Thursday, before the suspension.
“A little bit of shock, but more sadness. it was very disheartening to read.”
Investigators say Suplizio is accused of stealing over $600,000 from various city bank accounts, as well as from the DuBois Area United Way.
Authorities alleged that Suplizio used the stolen funds to make personal bill payments, political donations and to gamble.
The affidavit claims that Suplizio “provided false information on his personal income taxes for several years, claiming that he incurred un-reimbursed expenses in connection with his work for the DuBois Area United Way and the City of DuBois.”
“Those are some pretty serious allegations, We do believe that you are innocent until proven guilty.”
“We’ll let the justice system play out, but, uh, I, I’m concerned.”
The commissioners told us Suplizio staying on as city manager after the state attorney general’s announcement concerned them. The news of his suspension followed a Thursday night executive session by DuBois City Council on an unspecified “personnel issue.” However, it’s still uncertain if that session pertained to Suplizio.
“I’m pleased to see that they have him on leave, That, I think, that was the right move.”
This move has not resolved all their concerns, though especially since one job of the city manager is financial oversight.
“I have questions about how this could be allowed to happen without oversight of these accounts,”
“I’m disappointed, frankly, that we haven’t gotten more action and more answers and more accountability, transparency from DuBois City.”
“We’re gonna be holding that in advance for the time being, until we get some further clarification as to exactly how financially things are gonna be handled from now on into the future.”
Noting that they hope some reforms result from this, the commissioners say it’s ultimately up to the City of DuBois.
“We don’t want to overstep our authority, I mean, they are their own municipality. It’s up to them to make these reforms.”
DuBois Mayor Ed Walsh did not return our request for comment, regarding Suplizio’s suspension.