Last week, the Schuylkill County Solicitor's office announced that the County Human Resources Department had received allegations against Commissioner Halcovage including claims of sexual harassment concerning several female County Employees.
The County’s internal investigation in the allegations reported that Halcovage had violated the Sexual Harassment Policy #2005-18 (Revised September 2013), the Conduct and Disciplinary Action Policy #2005-19; and the Physical and Verbal Abuse Policy #2007-02 (Revised March, 2007).
Since then, the investigation has continued and Halcovage has stepped down as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners to "not distract the operations of the county". Commissioner Halcovage denies the allegations and has said he will not step down as a County Commissioner.
The investigation into the allegations has now moved on to the state level to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office.
Schuylkill County District Attorney Mike O'Pake said his office was requested by the Human Resources Department to determine if criminal charges were appropriate. O'Pake said at this point, he contacted the State Attorney General's office.
"I think it's appropriate for the Attorney General's Office investigate this matter. After speaking with the Attorney General's office, they wholeheartedly agreed that it would be appropriate for them to handle the investigation." said O'Pake.
O'Pake said he would be formalizing the process in a letter to AG Shapiro's office later Wednesday.