Luzerne County Government

January 14, 2010

Prothonotary employee fired

By Jennifer Learn-Andes jandes@timesleader.com
Luzerne County Reporter   |   Jenn Learn-Andes on Facebook   |   @TLJenLearnAndes on Twitter

Luzerne County Prothonotary Carolee Medico Olenginski has terminated clerk Pamela Yanac.

Prothonotary solicitor Sam Stretton said the termination was based on “issues involving Yanac’s handling of certain funds.” He said Medico Olenginski has received information that Yanac has signed a confession acknowledging that she took money from the office.

“There’s a good basis for termination, and Carolee is trying to set things right in the office,” Stretton said.

Yanac, who could not be reached for comment Thursday, had been suspended without pay since Dec. 18. County officials wouldn’t say whether the suspension has any connection to allegations of missing money in the office. The county District Attorney’s Office is investigating the alleged theft, but nobody has been charged.

Medico Olenginski immediately questioned the matter when she took office on Jan. 4, saying Yanac should not continue receiving health benefits during the suspension.

Yanac waived her right to a termination hearing, giving Medico Olenginski the right to terminate her, Stretton said.

Medico Olenginski sent Yanac a certified letter informing her of the termination.

Former prothonotary Jill Moran hired Yanac in January 2004, and her annual pay was $24,144.

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