Two sheriff deputies are under investigation for overtime irregularities at the request of Lackawanna County Sheriff Mark McAndrew.
In a letter to Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher dated May 27, McAndrew formally requested the DA’s office initiate a criminal investigation into alleged misconduct involving two deputies.
“It is alleged that over the course of several years both individuals knowingly received and/or submitted unauthorized overtime compensation while employed at the office,” McAndrew wrote.
McAndrew estimated that each deputy obtained over $20,000 per year in improper overtime for at least three years.
“The nature and extent of these allegations raise serious concerns regarding potential theft of public funds and other related criminal conduct involving taxpayer money and the abuse of public trust,” he said.
“Given the seriousness of these allegations and the public positions held by the individuals involved, we respectfully request that your office conduct a full, independent, and comprehensive criminal investigation into this matter, including but not limited to a review of payroll records, overtime submissions, scheduling records, supervisory approvals, and any related documentation or electronic communication.”
On June 5, Gallagher wrote a letter to the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General recusing himself from the case.
“To ensure an objective and independent investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds, an outside prosecutorial agency should assume responsibility for this matter,” he wrote. “Accordingly, this office recuses itself and requests that the Office of the Attorney General assume responsibility for this matter.”