Initial debit card probe completed

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December 4, 2008

U.S. Attorney’s Office reviewing what Secret Service found.

By Terrie Morgan-Besecker tmorgan@timesleader.com
Law & Order Reporter

SCRANTON – The U.S. Secret Service has concluded its initial investigation into the Luzerne County debit card scandal and has turned over the results to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for review, a federal prosecutor said Wednesday.

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Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Kosik-Whitaker said the Secret Service completed its probe in late October. Prosecutors are now reviewing the report to determine whether there is evidence of a crime being committed. No determination has yet been made.

The Secret Service launched the investigation in December 2007 in response to public outcry that followed revelations that several county employees had used the cards for questionable purchases, including a $71 charge at a Las Vegas strip club that was made by Luzerne County Prison Warden Sam Hyder.

The agency conducted numerous interviews and reviewed volumes of documents. The probe took longer than initially expected because agents were called away on protective duty during the presidential campaign.

Kosik-Whitaker said she does not believe the U.S. Attorney’s Office will release the results of the probe if no charges are filed. The report is considered an investigative document, she said, and those documents typically are not released.

Kosik-Whitaker said it is possible the Secret Service could choose to release the document once a final determination has been made regarding whether charges will be filed.

The investigation was being headed by the Philadelphia field office of the Secret Service. Bob Slama, special agent in charge of that office, could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Terrie Morgan-Besecker, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 570-829-7179.

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Joe Naperkowski said...

THIS ADMISINISTRATION HAS TO GO!!! BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. I'm a tough guy, big mouth who says I live in Wilkes-Barre Township but actually live in Wilkes-Barre.

December 4, 2008 at 6:48 AM

TJ said...

They used the debit cards to cover their own personal expenses and entertainment. God knows how many YEARS this has been going on. These guys should be fired on the spot. "Kosik-Whitaker said she does not believe the U.S. Attorney’s Office will release the results of the probe if no charges are filed. The report is considered an investigative document, she said, and those documents typically are not released." That's just more bull. We the taxpayers, whose money they used, have a right to know where and how it was spent, and I'm sure what we read months ago was just a small part of it. If no charges are filed on THIS one, then STEALING should be made legal. The next thief who robs a bank shouldn't get prison time, as long as he or she pays it back in a timely manner. Luzerne County has pretty much set a record for the most corrupted County on the map. I don't know how these people sleep at night, or have the guts to face the public everyday. They have no shame.

December 4, 2008 at 7:30 AM

George Carlin said...

Quick! Make some calls for some old favors! Better yet, don't call.

December 4, 2008 at 11:40 AM

Scott said...

Does anyone smell coverup!!! This will be very interesting to say the least. No you won't be able to look at the report, No you won't see any house cleaning under the dome and No Guesty, Hydie Skreppy, and the Boyz will not be getting coal for Christmas, they've been good little boys and girls this year!!!!

December 4, 2008 at 12:49 PM

mike martin said...

Let's assume that the outcome of this report reveals no apparent breaking of the law,but admits to questionable moral and ethical use of the debit cards by their holders. It would then be logical that all the names and all the usages of these cards be published so that Luzerne County taxpayers can determine who not to vote for in the next election. Remember when Mr. Hyder was questioned about putting a $100 bottle of wine on his card when he was is in Las Vegas for "training"? His response was that he always had a good wine with his meal. Then pay for it yourself because you are using taxpayer money. Let's hope you're the first one shown the door,with others to follow.

December 4, 2008 at 1:24 PM

J.W. said...

It sounds like the taxpayer is being greased for a disappointing let-down in this scandal. I feel all people involved will get away scott free.

December 4, 2008 at 1:35 PM

Jim said...

Let me get this straight go to vegas use a county credit card and nothing is going to happen!! Skrepnak, Hyder, Guesto,you will make headlines again in 2011 when election time comes around because your history Skrep!!

December 4, 2008 at 3:27 PM

taxpayer tom said...

Bah! Humbug!! Fess up and release the finding you bums.

December 4, 2008 at 8:39 PM

RWilliams said...

And the winner is...

December 5, 2008 at 2:09 PM

Tax Payer X20 said...

The Same old thing...... Keep pushing the "D" button when you vote and this is what you get. The good old boys club covering everything up and making it smell like roses. When we all know what it smell like.

December 7, 2008 at 9:48 AM