Schuylkill County Clerk of Courts Maria Casey claimed Wednesday at the weekly commissioners meeting a vote was taken in an executive session.

If true, that would violate the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act.

Casey said a private meeting was held “where a vote was taken to suspend two women indefinitely who are (George) Halcovage’s victims and filed the federal lawsuit. That violates the Sunshine Act,” she said.

She said a public meeting is necessary. Casey said criminal ramifications are possible for violating the act.

“It’s in black and white. Nothing could be easier,” Casey said.

Going to legal authorities is her next course of action, she said.

First Assistant Solicitor Glenn Roth said no vote took place at an executive session.

He confirmed one was held but said Casey was wrong.

“No votes are ever taken at an executive session nor was a vote taken at that executive session. End of discussion,” Roth said.

Casey said she filed a Right-to-Know request about the matter, which the county has yet to respond to.

Commissioners’ Chairman Barron “Boots” Hetherington didn’t want to discuss the topic.

“This is an ongoing investigation. This is a disciplinary action with personnel, so we are not going to comment on it,” he said.

Commissioner Gary Hess said there was a discussion but no vote happened.

Afterward he said a decision was made but not by the commissioners.

He said another person attended the meeting who was the one who suspended the two women. He declined to name the person but said it was an administrative decision.

Last month, Casey discussed the suspension at a commissioners meeting. The employees were suspended without pay.

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.