A Clearfield County judge has permanently approved an injunction to halt the “buyout” process of suspended DuBois city manager Herm Suplizio.
As a result, the city is no longer allowed to make any contractual payments to Suplizio and he will lose access to his pension.
During Monday morning’s hearing on the injunction, the city withdrew its objection to it.
In August, a judge placed a temporary injunction in the case after three Clearfield County residents file the motion to prevent DuBois city government from paying out the remainder of Suplizio’s contract.
Suplizio was charged in March following an attorney general investigation into allegations that he embezzled over $600,000 from various city bank accounts.
The plaintiffs argued that a buyout of Suplizio while he is under investigation is not only a violation of the city’s personnel code but would “financially handcuff” the incoming city council members.
Earlier this month, the Attorney General’s office filed additional charges against Suplizio in the theft and embezzlement investigation.
The new court documents also detailed how members of DuBois city government were reportedly involved in the investigation.
Suplizio is currently free on unsecured bail in the theft/fraud case.
He was also placed on paid leave by city council but the judge’s ruling in the injunction case stops all pay to him.
Officials noted that Suplizio is able to keep his insurance plan in place.