The state House subcommittee investigating whether Schuylkill County Commissioner George F. Halcovage Jr. ought to be removed from office has subpoenaed records from the county.

The subpoena is part of the process that began on Jan. 11 when the six member House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Courts voted unanimously to begin an investigation, which can include calling witnesses and compelling entities to turn over information.

Because Halcovage is an elected official, lawmakers are required to conduct an investigation and go through legal proceedings in order to remove him from office through impeachment.

In order for Halcovage to be impeached, the House would have to vote to impeach him, and a trial held by the Senate.

Halcovage is being sued in federal court by four women who work in the courthouse, alleging he has sexually harassed them over course of several years. An investigation by the county in June 2020 determined Halcovage violated the sexual harassment, conduct and disciplinary action, and the physical and verbal abuse policies.