Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Coal Region Canary
Coal Region CanaryCoal Region Canary

Local News

Report: Halcovage Hit with 2 PFAs in Jane Doe Saga

halcovage pfa hearing

halcovage pfa hearing

Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage has been hit with a pair of sexual violence Protection from Abuse orders handed down this afternoon at the Courthouse.

According to the Republican Herald this afternoon, a Lebanon County judge, Robert Eby, ordered the PFAs against the embattled Commissioner. They’re in place until May 2024 and prohibit Halcovage from “abusing, harassing, or contacting” Jane Does 1 and 2, as they’re known in a federal lawsuit they filed against him in March.

In that lawsuit, Halcovage is accused of serial workplace misconduct – including, in one case, sexual assault – against 4 women identified as Schuylkill County employees who worked in the Courthouse.

Judge Orders 2 PFAs Against Schuylkill Commissioner Halcovage

Prior to this ruling coming down Wednesday afternoon, there was apparently a bit of drama unfolding within the Courthouse walls. Two local mainstream media outlets were barred from covering the Halcovage hearing by Judge Eby.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1658728627906147

Times-News and the Republican-Herald each sent a reporter to cover the hearing:

While PFA hearings are generally open to the public, a court official said there is a provision to close the doors if a case involves alleged sexual violence.

The RH then reported that Judge Eby said technically there was no hearing on Wednesday morning because the two sides in the case had come to an agreement. The paper reports now that Halcovage did not have to admit any guilt on Wednesday as part of the agreement.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1658728627906147

According to the letter of the Protection From Abuse Act, an agreement is one of two results of a PFA hearing. Parties involved can appear on their hearing date with a written agreement in place or they can tell the judge their agreement.

Only about a half-hour following that PFA hearing that wasn’t a PFA hearing, the Schuylkill County Commissioners were in the middle of their weekly meeting. During the final public comment period, Clerk of Courts Maria Casey once again pleaded with Commissioners to bar Halcovage from the Courthouse. County Treasurer Linda Marchalk echoed that sentiment this morning publicly, too.

Subscribe to Coal Region Canary

Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!
Loading

News Tips?

Let us know of news happening in your area. Use our NEWS TIPS ENTRY FORM
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More From The Canary

Local News

Police investigation ongoing

Schuylkill County Police News

A hand railing, sign and window victims of the rage.

Local News

State Police bomb squad called in

Schuylkill County Police News

A designated driver is ALWAYS a good idea.

Local News

Investigation ongoing, police say

Local Community News

Deadline for sign-ups is fast approaching.

Local News

Subdued ceremony held on Garfield Square Monday.

Schuylkill County Police News

Incident happened on May 27

Local News

Opposing Republicans present strong argument on 'No' vote

Canary Jumped the Shark

So, we’re at the store the other day, about to grab a carton of Guers Sugar-Free Iced Tea. And what’s that? A double-take was...

Advertisement https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1658728627906147