Clearfield Co., PA (WJAC) — Federal authorities announced Thursday that former DuBois city manager John "Herm" Suplizio, as well as a fellow city employee, have been indicted following an investigation into allegations that the two conspired to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars in city funds.

Investigators allege that from 2014 to 2022, Suplizio and 58-year-old Roberta Shaffer, who served as the city's secretary, conspired to "divert" city funds by using the city's tax identification number to create secret, personal bank accounts where the funds were deposited.

Authorities say that the pair allegedly stole approximately $60,000 in annual administrative fees from the city's waste management contract.

Investigators discovered that they also made withdrawals from the accounts or wrote checks to themselves that totaled more than $350,000.

Officials allege that they also paid approximately $450,000 to Suplizio's personal credit card to pay off various personal purchases such as vacations, utility bills, and other expenses.

Herm Suplizio allegedly funneled city money into secret bank accounts that he and Shaffer controlled and that he could use for his personal benefit, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal credit card payments,” United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan said. “Our communities entrust public officials like Suplizio with tremendous authority, and when that trust is violated—as is alleged here—this office and our federal and state law enforcement partners will hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

In March, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General charged Suplizio following a lengthy investigation into alleged theft and embezzlement in the city of DuBois.

Authorities alleged that Suplizio used the stolen funds to make personal bill payments, political donations and to gamble.

Since his initial arrest, the city of DuBois and members of city government have been the subject of controversy for their alleged handling of the investigation and their knowledge of Suplizio's alleged crimes.

In August, the DuBois city council approved a "buyout" of Suplizio's contract, which sparked more controversary and outcry from the public.

A Clearfield County judge later approved a temporary injunction to halt the buyout process. That injunction was permanently approved last month.

As alleged, the suspects abused their public positions and betrayed the public’s trust all while lining their own pockets with hundreds of thousands of dollars,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “The FBI will always root out any and all forms of public corruption. We remain committed to ensuring those who violate the public’s sacred trust are held accountable. I wish to thank our federal partners, who have adopted this prosecution and will work with an attorney from our office who is cross designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney,” Attorney General Michelle Henry said. “This federal indictment further validates our joint efforts to hold public officials accountable to the constituents they serve.

Federal authorities say Suplizio and Shaffer face up to 45 years in prison, if convicted, as well as a $1.2 million fine.

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