Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage Jr. has had his share of legal problems in 2021.

In March, he was sued in federal court in the Middle District of Pennsylvania by four women - all Schuylkill County employees - who have accused him of sexual harassment. He denies the accusations. An amended complaint was also filed that lists employment actions that took place after the first lawsuit. The case is in the hands of Judge Martin C. Carlson, Harrisburg.

Numerous county and state leaders have called for Halcovage, who has been a commissioner since 2012, to resign. The county’s solicitor’s office and Human Resources office investigated and determined that Halcovage violates three county policies, sexual harassment, conduct and discipline and physical and verbal abuse. Results found that if he was an employee he would be suspended and recommended he be terminated.

The state Attorney General’s Office declined to press charges for the alleged harassment, citing the statute of limitations as one of the reasons.

Halcovage’s access to the courthouse was limited by Sheriff Joseph Groody after Lebanon Senior Judge Robert Eby issued a sexual violence protection order against Halcovage in May. The order is to protect victims of such violence from further abuse or intimidation by the abuser.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued two rulings involving the county and the four women involved in the lawsuit. Neither were good news for the county.

The Schuylkill County House delegation called for an investigation into Halcovage in May to determine “whether an impeachment or removal from office is required due to alleged misbehavior in office and violation of public trust.”

The House Judiciary Committee passed the resolution in June. The House of Representatives voted 200-0 in November for two committees to conduct the investigation into Halcovage’s conduct.

At 10 a.m. Jan. 11 in Room 140 of the state Capitol the House Judiciary Committee on Courts is holding its first meeting on the matter.

Rep. Paul Schemel, R-Franklin, chair of the committee, said a vote among the five members will likely occur to take sworn testimony, issue subpoenas and authorize a lawyer.

If approved by the House, the Senate would conduct a trial. Upon voting of two-thirds of the senators for impeachment, Halcovage would be removed from office.

Sen. David Argall-R-Schuylkill/Berks introduced legislation in November to remove Halcovage.