Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage has reportedly been banned from entering the Courthouse in Pottsville.
Based on rumors, we visited Schuylkill County Courthouse on Friday morning in an attempt to confirm whether or not Halcovage had been banned. We were given an indication from an official close to the situation that if Halcovage tried to enter through the main entrance that day, he would be denied access.
Another official did also indicate that the rumor of the ban was true.
According to a report from the Republican Herald, the ban was enacted Commissioners Chairman Boots Hetherington and Sheriff Joe Groody. The action was taken after an alleged “incident” apparently involving Halcovage.
No one is discussing the nature of the alleged incident.
If the ban holds up against any potential legal challenges from Halcovage, last Wednesday during the Commissioners Work Session meeting would have been his last public appearance as Schuylkill County Commissioner.
Halcovage was defeated during the Republican Primary Election back in May. He’ll be replaced on the board by Larry Padora.
We reached out to Halcovage’s attorney, Gerard Geiger, regarding the ban but did not receive a reply.
The Canary also learned that no notice was given to Schuylkill County Courthouse employees regarding the Halcovage ban, including in the Commissioners office. The Courthouse closed at noon on Friday for Christmas.
In October, Groody tried to get Halcovage banned from the Courthouse after he revealed that the Commissioner allegedly violated the terms of a Consent Decree the County entered into with the US Dept. of Justice more than 69 times since July 2022 by staying at the Courthouse after 5 p.m.
The Commissioners took no action at that time.
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Val
December 23, 2023 at 10:47 am
A little too late.. He will be “banned” starting new year anyway bc he is not elected. What’s all the fuss?
PTFloridian
December 23, 2023 at 11:26 am
He had a good run…
Pottsvillegal
December 25, 2023 at 11:17 pm
2 years too late! Nice job Boots trying to look like a good guy! You are just as bad as that clown allowing all you have for over 2 years now. Ps. Your meeting rules are unethical for someone “voted in” to do good for your constituants!
Grizzly
December 23, 2023 at 11:58 am
Halcovage was banned for a alledged new sexual assualt/Harressment suit being filed by a female who is not one of the original women, If true this guy is one sick puppy.
Canary Commenter
December 23, 2023 at 7:36 pm
ALLEGED is the key word here. Never trust anything coming from the Courthouse at face value. Only believe something when hard evidence is in hand.
Val
December 24, 2023 at 11:02 am
Nothing to worry about! The new “transparency warrior” will soon take over Halcovage’s chair and straighten up all the mess in the Courthouse.. just kidding:)
Coalregion12
December 24, 2023 at 8:23 am
If there is video of this alleged harassment then make it available to the public. Easy to blackout the victims face.
Even January 6th video has been made available to the public.
Val
December 24, 2023 at 11:17 am
It would sound more realistic if Halcovage tried to sneak out some compromising docs from the Courthouse, but the other members of the mafia did not like it. Poor George!