Former DuBois City Manager John "Herm" Suplizio and city secretary Roberta Shaffer were indicted on a 10-count superseding federal indictment for stealing more than $1.5 million in city funds over 14 years by funneling money into secret bank accounts.

City of DuBois, Pennsylvania — City Manager Embezzlement (2008–2022)

Outcome: Former City Manager John "Herm" Suplizio and City Secretary Roberta Shaffer were federally indicted for stealing more than $1.5 million from the City of DuBois by opening secret bank accounts and diverting fees from city contractors over a 14-year period.

From May 2008 through March 2022, Suplizio and Shaffer conspired to embezzle, steal, convert, and misapply city funds belonging to the City of DuBois. To accomplish the theft, the pair opened bank accounts without the knowledge of the DuBois City Council or its auditors, then funneled fees intended for the city from a waste management company and two oil and gas companies into those secret accounts.

Suplizio and Shaffer used the stolen money to make large cash withdrawals, write checks to themselves and others, obtain cashier's checks with themselves as payees, and make payments to Suplizio's personal credit card — including vacation expenses, utility bills for his personal residence, department store purchases, and jewelry. Suplizio was placed on administrative leave in March 2023 and officially fired as city manager in April 2024 after the scheme came to light.

The initial indictment in November 2023 charged conspiracy and federal program fraud. A 10-count superseding indictment filed in September 2024 added charges of money laundering, expanding the scope of alleged conduct. A June 2025 trial date was set by the court.

Primary Source: 10-Count Superseding Indictment Charges DuBois City Manager and Employee with Theft and Misappropriation of More Than $1.5 Million in City Funds