WESTMORELAND COUNTY COMMISSIONER REFUTES COVER-UP CLAIMS

A Westmoreland County Commissioner has refuted claims that the criminal prosecution of the county’s former purchasing director was an effort to cover up actions taken outside official channels.  The Trib reports that Commissioner Ted Kopas along with County Controller Controller Jeffrey Balzer and county finance director Meghan McCandless testified under defense subpoenas as part of an effort to persuade a county judge to dismiss theft charges against Kristopher Cardiff.  Cardiff was charged last year with four felony theft counts and a related misdemeanor.  He was accused of misappropriating over $9800 through unapproved payments to himself and staff.  The defense is asking Judge Michael Stewart II to dismiss the case against Cardiff.  That decision will be made after a review of written legal arguments over the next three months.