Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Courts holds a public hearing as the first step into an investigation into Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage.
The ultimate result of this investigation could find Halcovage impeached, found guilty, and then removed from office.
But that won’t happen until the House conducts its investigative process, which starts with Tuesday’s meeting.
Here’s a replay of today’s meeting:
PA House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts to Launch Halcovage Investigation on Jan. 11
This Subcommittee is chaired by Rep. Paul Schemel, of Franklin County. Its goal is to determine whether evidence against Halcovage is strong enough to recommend an impeachment of Halcovage. That eventually could lead to a trial in the State Senate, which could vote for his removal from office, pending the Governor’s signature.
This Subcommittee has the power to subpoena witnesses and evidence to help it make a decision on recommending impeachment to the Judiciary Committee.
Halcovage is accused of sexual harassment by four female Schuylkill County employees over the course of several years. Those women have filed a federal civil lawsuit against Halcovage and other Schuylkill County Courthouse officials for their complicity of his alleged misbehavior.
However, the lawsuit is separate from this House investigation, but the investigation is clearly a result of the lawsuit. House Resolution 99 was introduced last year by Rep. Jerry Knowles (124th District) after the lawsuit was filed. It calls for the Judiciary Committee to launch the investigation.
Halcovage has resisted calls from every level of government to resign from office and avoid these planned proceedings in the House and potentially the State Senate in the near future. He has denied any wrongdoing in the matters against him.
Full Coverage
Following Tuesday’s meeting, check back with The Canary for full coverage of the proceedings. We’ve been on this story from the beginning, including a lot of then-exclusive content. Check our coverage here.
Theresa Price
January 11, 2022 at 10:18 am
Thank you.