The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee unanimously approved going forward with an investigation of Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage and his alleged behavior while in office.
On Friday, the House Judiciary Committee voted 25-0 on House Resolution 99 to move forward with the investigation. If that Committee finds enough information that Halcovage acted inappropriately by sexually harassing 4 Schuylkill County Courthouse employees, he faces impeachment in the State House of Representatives.
Should members of the House vote to impeach Halcovage, he would face a trial in the State Senate.
Pennsylvania House Judiciary Votes to Move Forward with Halcovage Investigation
House Resolution 99 is sponsored by Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-124), who has previously called on Halcovage to resign from office rather than go through the impeachment process in Harrisburg. Knowles is also a member of the House Judiciary Committee.
In a statement released Friday afternoon following the House Judiciary Committee vote, Knowles, along with State Reps. Tim Twardzik (R-123) and Joe Kerwin (R-125), say, “The House Judiciary Committee has taken the next step in the process of beginning the investigation of Schuylkill County Commissioner George F. Halcovage Jr. While this is very rare for legislators to ask for an investigation of a public official, unfortunately, under the circumstances, we believe it to be necessary. We have an obligation to our constituents and all of Schuylkill County to determine the facts in this case and proceed accordingly.”
Earlier this year, Halcovage was sued in federal court by 4 anonymous Schuylkill County Courthouse employees alleging the then-Commissioners Chairman sexually harassed (and assaulted, in the case of one of the women) them over a period of about a decade.
Halcovage has heard these allegations publicly for more than a year now and denies any wrongdoing. He’s been asked to resign not only by the Schuylkill County delegation in Harrisburg – including State Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) – but also his fellow Commissioners Gary Hess and Boots Hetherington, among others.
What Happens Next?
According to the joint statement from Knowles, Twardzik, and Kerwin, the House Judiciary Committee and the Subcommittee on Courts will launch an investigation into Halcovage’s alleged behavior. They may subpoena witnesses and other evidence in this case. There is no set timetable for this investigation.
Halcovage was last elected to the Schuylkill County Commissioners board in 2019.
For the full story on the Halcovage saga, including stories you won’t read in any other news or faux news outlet, check out our special section:
Photo licensed via Depositphotos
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Ryles
June 25, 2021 at 5:50 pm
The State Delegation will allow this to drag out until 2022 so that the Gargoyle can collect his pension before stepping down. We know how to elect them!
insider
June 25, 2021 at 8:09 pm
Investigation will begin as soon as they eliminate property taxes….Wink,wink…