June 16, 2016
A couple of workers for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission are accused of stealing thousands of dollars from the state by logging hours they never worked, state prosecutors said Wednesday.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office announced charges against Sharie Anne Sacco, 56, of Lehigh County, and Stephen Michael Dombek, 51, of Luzerne County, for not only allegedly lying about their hours but also for allegedly using state vehicles for personal use.
Both worked as construction managers for the turnpike commission on projects on the Northeast Extension. Dombek, an eight-year employee, was based in locations in Luzerne and Lehigh counties, while Sacco, a 32-year-employee, worked out of the Quakertown Maintenance Facility in Bucks County.
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According to prosecutors, Dombek allegedly received $2,196 by way of submitting falsified work hours, while Sacco allegedly received $5,918. Investigators said they discovered the theft by surveillance of the two over the course of several months in 2015.
Dombek and Sacco have been charged with tampering with public records or information, tampering with record or identification, conflict of interest, theft by deception and theft.
Both were arraigned Wednesday and were held on $20,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing for Dombek is scheduled for June 23, and a hearing for Sacco is scheduled for the following day.
