Ex-Clerk Scandale Sentenced

A shocking case of public corruption has come to a close in Washington County, Pennsylvania. Frank Scandale, the former clerk of courts, has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $96,000 from taxpayers. As a result, he will serve 24 months on Home Electronic Monitoring and 7 years of probation, and pay more than $100,000 in restitution.

According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, Scandale’s sentence is a direct result of his guilty plea to Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds Received, Theft by Unlawful Taking, and Misapplication of Entrusted Property and Property of Government or Financial Institutions. Senior Visiting Fayette County Judge Gerald Solomon handed down the sentence, which is intended to reflect the severity of Scandale’s crimes.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro stated, “Mr. Scandale broke the law and the oath he took on behalf of the people of Washington County when he stole nearly $100,000 from the public.” Shapiro emphasized that public officials have a duty to serve with integrity, and that his office will continue to root out corruption without fear or favor. This case is a prime example of the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions.

An investigation by the Attorney General’s office revealed that Scandale frequently accepted cash payments from individuals, provided receipts, and then voided either the total amount – or significant portions – of the deposits. County audits revealed 24 deposits that should have been deposited into Washington County’s bank account were used by Scandale for his own purposes. The total of the missing deposits was $96,716.04, a staggering amount that underscores the severity of Scandale’s crimes.

Deputy Attorney General Evan Lowry prosecuted the case, which was the result of a thorough investigation by the Attorney General’s office. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and accountability in government, and serves as a reminder that public officials will be held accountable for their actions. As Attorney General Shapiro noted, “My office will continue to root out public corruption without fear or favor so we can have faith in the people who serve us.”

The sentence handed down to Scandale is a significant one, and reflects the seriousness with which the court views his crimes. By pleading guilty and accepting responsibility for his actions, Scandale has taken the first step towards making amends for his wrongdoing. However, the case also raises important questions about the measures in place to prevent corruption in government, and whether more needs to be done to prevent similar cases in the future.

In conclusion, the case of Frank Scandale serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability in government. As the people of Washington County move forward, they can take comfort in the knowledge that justice has been served, and that those responsible for upholding the law are committed to doing so with integrity and transparency. The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office has demonstrated its commitment to rooting out corruption, and this case is a testament to the importance of their work.