DUBOIS – The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General is seeking more time to file additional criminal charges against suspended DuBois City Manager John “Herm” Suplizio.
Court documents indicate prosecutors were recently notified that Magisterial District Judge David Meholick was requesting to be recused and for assignment of a specially presiding magisterial district judge, according to WJAC-TV.
“Due to the request, the Commonwealth will be unable to meet the 15-day deadline of Aug. 31 to file additional charges,” court documents state.
“Accordingly, the Commonwealth requests that this Honorable Court grant the Commonwealth’s Motion to Grant Extension of Time for the Commonwealth to file additional charges.
“The Commonwealth respectfully requests that the revised deadline be 15 days after the date the AOPC assigns the specially presiding Magisterial District Judge.”
It was also noted that defense counsel has no objection to the Commonwealth’s motion.
In March Pennsylvania’s OAG charged Suplizio with allegedly stealing more than $620,000 from public accounts over a period of time.
Suplizio was placed on administrative leave pending resolution of his case, and City Engineer Chris Nasuti was appointed to act as interim manager.
It was previously reported that Suplizio’s contract did not include a morality clause.
Earlier this month, council voted to enter into negotiations with Suplizio to “buy out” the remaining term of his 10-year contract, and advertise for his replacement.
But, Clearfield County President Judge Fredric Ammerman on Friday granted a temporary injunction that halts the city’s buyout of Suplizio and any additional payments to Suplizio through the end of this council term.
Then, Monday night, council decided it would postpone termination of Suplizio until it could seek further legal counsel into the matter.
Court documents indicate no decision has been made on the OAG’s motion for an extension of time, according to the WJAC-TV report.
Unless granted, prosecutors have until Aug. 31 to file any additional charges against Suplizio, the report said, adding a new magisterial district judge has not been assigned yet.
A hearing with regards to the injunction is currently scheduled to be held Wednesday morning in Clearfield County Court.