Suspended DuBois city manager Herm Suplizio appeared in court Tuesday, nearly two weeks after he was indicted by federal authorities on charges of theft and fraud.
During the hearing, the state attorney general’s office withdrew its charges against Suplizio, allowing the case to be solely prosecuted by the federal government.
Earlier this month, Suplizio and a fellow city employee were federally indicted following an investigation into allegations that the two conspired to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars in city funds.
Investigators allege that from 2014 to 2022, Suplizio and 58-year-old Roberta Shaffer, who served as the city’s secretary, conspired to “divert” city funds by using the city’s tax identification number to create secret, personal bank accounts where the funds were deposited.
Suplizio was initially arrested in March following a lengthy investigation by the AG’s office into alleged theft and embezzlement in the city of DuBois.
In August, the DuBois city council approved a “buyout” of Suplizio’s contract, which sparked controversy and outcry from the public.
A Clearfield County judge later approved an injunction to halt the buyout process.
Suplizio was then an indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 14th.
Federal authorities say Suplizio faces up to 45 years in prison, if convicted, as well as a $1.2 million fine.
Prosecutors noted that the state reserves the right to refile charges against Suplizio.
