Washington Township supervisor exonerated

DETURKSVILLE - It took more than six months, but a Washington Township supervisor has finally been exonerated of any wrong doing in his capacity as secretary-treasurer of the township.

Township solicitor Rick Wiest made the announcement at the board's July 19 meeting, although W. Randy Stump was not in attendance to hear it.

"There is absolutely no findings of any wrong doings," said Wiest. "And there is no basis for further investigation. All allegations were found to be unfounded by both the (Pennsylvania) State Police and the State Ethics Commission."

Although he did not mention anything specifically, Wiest noted that Stump had taken a 'public hit' at the township meetings. Resident Bob Loy agreed. That person who made the allegations against Stump has violated the eighth commandment and should apologize to Stump publicly, said Loy.

According to Wiest, when allegations are made, the State Police and Ethics Commission must investigate, but the fact that an investigation is being held or subpoenas are issued is no conclusion of guilt. "There is no investigation pending."

A letter received by Stump on June 28 from the State Ethic's Commission stated that allegations were made that he had violated Section 1103(a) of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act (Act 93, 1998) when he used the authority of his public position for private pecuniary benefit for himself and/or his business. He did so by purchasing items with township funds and changing transactions in treasury reports to conceal the purchases.

According to the Commission's letter "they found no basis to commence a full investigation because there is insufficient evidence to support a finding of probable cause that the State Ethics Act has been violated."

News first broke about the investigation on January 4, 2010 when the State Police served Stump with a search warrant . A new computer in an unopened box was taken. At the same time, a warrant was served at the home of former board chairman, Glenn Ulsh. There, township records Ulsh had gotten from Stump months before and had not returned when he left office at the end of 2009 were seized.

Wiest noted in his report to the board that Stump had not opposed the investigation and has acknowledged that if he has made mistakes, he was willing to correct them. Stump does, however, "steadfastly deny any wrongdoing of any kind."

In other business,

- Lee Miller made note of the quality of work done by roadmaster Gary Neidlinger and his road crew, and thanked them on behalf of the township residents.

- Neidlinger reported the township's road project is on schedule with paving to begin next week.

- Neidlinger also reported the concrete pads were poured to support the pillars for the pavilion to be constructed at the ball park.

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