Former Pa. City Manager's $1.5M Theft Trial Could Start This Spring After 2-Year Delay

After two years of delays, the sweeping political corruption case against former DuBois City Manager John “Herm” Suplizio could go to trial as early as this spring.

Late last month, U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie Haines, who is overseeing the case, rejected efforts by Suplizio’s lawyers to demand more details from prosecutors about allegations that he and another city employee stole more than $1.5 million in public dollars.

In denying the request, Haines said she would set a trial date for the spring or early summer of next year.

Her ruling sets the stage for a resolution to the long-running case, which has included shocking allegations of money lock boxes hidden in ceiling tiles and a bag stuffed with cash being dropped off at DuBois City Hall by the city’s onetime solicitor. It has brought unwanted attention to this small city 100 miles northeast of Pittsburgh and divided its residents over Suplizio’s legacy and role in the scandal.

Suplizio’s attorney, Michael Comber, declined to comment on the recent developments. A spokesperson for federal prosecutors said in an email that due to the government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Justice is only answering questions on matters involving “national security, violations of federal law, and essential public safety functions,” and did not respond to requests for comment on Suplizio’s case.

The corruption investigation stems back to 2020, when law enforcement officials in Pennsylvania received an anonymous letter, signed “Concerned Citizens,” alleging Suplizio was engaging in financial wrongdoing.

The letter sparked an investigation by prosecutors in the state Office of Attorney General, who in the spring of 2023 arrested Suplizio on charges that he stole more than $600,000 from public accounts over which he had signatory authority.

Since then, the case has seen repeated delays.

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