DuBois- The solicitor for the DuBois Area United Way, David Patrick King, Esq., issued a statement today behind the announcement of the withdrawal of the Attorney General’s charges in the investigation of former director, John “Herm” Suplizio.
“Following the announcement that all state level criminal charges filed against former DuBois Area United Way (DAUW) Director John “Herm” Suplizio will be withdrawn to allow the United States Federal prosecution to take their place, the DAUW would like to remind the community it serves that they have cooperated fully in the investigation into its former director.
The DAUW completed multiple internal investigations and audits of its accounts- in collaboration with [both] the Attorney General’s Office, and United Way Worldwide- relating to the funds alleged to be missing from DAUW and concluded with a high degree of certainty that they were not a victim of any criminal conduct alleged to have been committed by its former director or any other individual.
Mr. Suplizio has recently been charged by the Federal authorities for alleged crimes many of which are similar to those levied by the State of Pennsylvania. However, the DuBois Area United Way is not mentioned within the 5 counts contained in the Federal indictment. There are no allegations within the Federal indictment that DAUW was the victim of any theft-related crimes.
The DuBois Area United Way would like the community to be aware the Federal indictment has not charged the former DAUW director or any other individual with crimes related to theft of DAUW funds. The DuBois Area United Way has maintained and continues to maintain its high degree of certainty that no funds are missing from its accounts.
DAUW relies on donations to positively impact upwards of 20,000 local community members and its 22 member agencies. It remains committed to transparency and integrity in performing its duties to benefit the community with a hopeful eye to the future.
When asked for comment, United Way Director Neil Hanes had this to say; “This is something that we have been striving towards for quite some time now through methodical processes and continuous compliance between the Attorney General’s Office and United Way Worldwide.
I want to thank my board of directors for their constant support throughout this journey as well as the DAUW solicitor(s). Our devotion has always been and will continue to rest on the 22 member agencies that we partner with in impacting the lives of some 20,000 community members.
In the 67 years of existence our mission has remained the same, our values of remained constant, and our commitment to the local community has been unwavering. Rest assure this will continue to be our mindset moving forward.”