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Former drug, alcohol director waives hearing
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share thisSUNBURY - Northumberland County's former drug and alcohol director waived his right to a preliminary hearing Monday on theft-related charges and was ordered by Magisterial District Judge Robert Bolton to appear for arraignment Dec. 14 at Northumberland County Courthouse.
Samuel Williamson, 60, of 289 Main St., Turbotville, waived to court theft and conflict-of-interest charges and now faces trial in county court. Williamson is charged with funneling $12,000 into a slush fund and billing another employer during hours when he was being paid by the county, according to a complaint filed by Agent Joseph Farkus of the state Attorney General's Office.
County officials were tipped off about the alleged irregularities before Williamson's retirement in December 2007, but charges were not filed until last month.
Williamson was represented at the legal proceeding by Attorney Ron Travis.
According to the complaint, Williamson, while serving as director of the drug and alcohol program, stole $12,625 in client assessment fees and kept the money in an office "slush fund." Williamson is accused of using some of the money to purchase gifts for employees, children and clients.
Williamson also allegedly approved several county contracts for counseling services provided by firms he had worked for and provided 400 hours of counseling serving for other agencies while he was supposed to be working for Northumberland County.
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