SUNBURY – The state Auditor General will be examining records at the Northumberland County prothonotary’s office. After Wednesday’s arrest of prothonotary Justin Dunkelberger on theft charges, county commissioners have requested an audit of the office.
Commissioner chairman Rick Shoch says he was made aware of the investigation by the Attorney General’s office last fall. While the charges against Dunkelberger don’t involve county funds, Shoch says there is still reason for concern, “The concern is obviously there if there’s allegations of theft by an official who has access to those types of things.”
Shoch says the county controller did review some accounts in the prothonotary’s office after then-commissioner Vinny Clausi sent a letter to the Auditor General about concerns at the in the office. However, Shoch feels an independent audit is warranted, “We’re going to bring in a totally independent, dispassionate third party whose job it is to do these types of things from the state level and who has no incentive to cover anything up.”
A letter has been sent requesting assistance from the Auditor General. Shoch says he doesn’t know how long it will take to complete the audit. (Jennifer Wakeman)
