?Schuylkill County Clerk of Courts Maria Casey questioned commissioners Wednesday about why two female employees involved in the federal lawsuit against Commissioner George Halcovage Jr. have been suspended.

“It was my understanding there was an executive session held regarding the suspension without pay of two county employees,” Casey said.

Commissioner Barron “Boots” Hetherington told her the topic should not be mentioned in a public meeting.

“That’s a personnel issue. We don’t discuss that. We really should not be discussing it in our board meeting,” he said.

Casey continued, saying she was permitted to discuss it.

After Hetherington warned her for the fourth time, Casey said that what he was doing was illegal.

The women were not mentioned by name at the meeting. After the meeting, Hetherington once again declined to discuss the alleged suspension when asked.

Solicitor Alvin Marshall did not return a call for comment Wednesday. County Administrator Gary Bender did not return an email for comment.

Human Resources Director Heidi Zula declined to discuss the alleged action Tuesday.

Halcovage, who has been commissioner since 2012, has been sued in federal court by four women, all Schuylkill County employees, who have accused him of sexual harassment. Their names are not in the lawsuit, but they are identified as Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2, Jane Doe 3 and Jane Doe 4. Other defendants are also named in the suit.