The state House subcommittee probing whether Schuylkill County Commissioner George F. Halcovage Jr. should be removed from office for misconduct has subpoenaed items from the county.

Halcovage is being sued in federal court by four women who work in the courthouse, alleging he has sexually harassed them over the course of several years. An investigation by the county Human Resources Department in June 2020 determined Halcovage violated the sexual harassment, conduct and disciplinary action, and the physical and verbal abuse policies.

“We’ve issued one subpoena to the Schuylkill County government. Because the list of items we requested is extensive, we anticipate it may take the county time to respond. The investigation is ongoing,” subcommittee chair state Rep. Paul T. Schemel, R-Franklin County, said in an emailed message.

Halcovage, who has denied the allegations, was unable to be reached for comment.

The subpoena is part of the process that began on Jan. 11 when the six member House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Courts voted unanimously to begin an investigation, which can include calling witnesses and compelling entities to turn over information.

Because Halcovage is an elected official, lawmakers are required to conduct an investigation and go through legal proceedings in order to remove him from office through impeachment.

In order for Halcovage to be impeached, the House would have to vote to impeach him, and a trial held by the Senate.

Schemel chairs the subcommittee with Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein, D-Philadelphia as co-chair.

Reps. Andrew Lewis, R-Dauphin County; Todd Stephens, R- Montgomery County; Joshua D. Kail, R-Washington County; and Mike Zubel, D-Delaware County, make up the rest of the subcommittee.

In May 2021, state Reps. Jerry Knowles, R-Berks/Carbon/Schuylkill; Joe Kerwin, R-Schuylkill/Dauphin; and Tim Twardzik, R-Schuylkill, introduced House Resolution 99.

That resolution, approved by the House Judiciary Committee in June, allowed the investigation of Halcovage’s actions to begin.

On Nov. 9, 2021, state Sen. David G. Argall, R-Schuylkill/Berks, introduced legislation to remove Halcovage from office.

Statement

George F. Halcovage Jr. has released a statement about Pennsylvania lawmakers’ impeachment proceedings:

“As difficult as this has been for my family and me to stay silent and follow the rules, I have not commented to this point as newspapers and social media are not the place to litigate such serious matters. On the advice of counsel, I will not comment on the civil litigation in federal court. I look forward to depositions starting soon where we will be able to present and receive sworn testimony from all parties in this case,” he said.

“With regards to the state house subcommittee investigation, leadership at the courthouse was told by a representative of the subcommittee that they are not going to subpoena anyone and just use documents to push this onto the Senate for an impeachment trial.

During the Attorney General investigation, even without being questioned or interviewed, no charges were filed against me. At the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the plaintiffs and their supporters were interviewed, but I was never questioned or asked to provide any information.

“Now, I count on the legislature to not politicize this serious matter and do their due diligence, noting that Chairman (state Rep. Paul T.) Schemel stated on January 11, ‘I believe it is incumbent upon us to use the subpoena power to ensure the relevant witnesses are heard and documents produced and reviewed in an orderly and expeditious manner’.

The House resolution also authorized the subcommittee and House Judiciary Committee to take testimony, subpoena witnesses and receive documents. There are relevant witnesses who support my case and they need to be heard from as well. I count on the legislature to not politicize this serious matter and do their due diligence” Halcovage said.

“When another county commissioner can laugh about this in the commissioner’s office and say ‘we are making history’ and is asking how quick the house action is going to take place, I question the political motive in driving this agenda,” he said.

“I look forward to the House subcommittee looking at all the facts. I believe in our democratic system and look forward to my day in court.”

“To all those who have been there for my family and me through your prayers and support over these later 22 months, and the good employees of the county who continue to serve the people of Schuylkill County, we thank you. I am a public servant and will continue to perform my duties for those we serve.

We will continue to stay strong through the Grace of God.”