Theft charges filed against a North Huntingdon commissioner accused of stealing a political sign owned by his challenger this past spring were dropped Monday during a pre-trial conference in the Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas.
First Ward Democratic Commissioner George W. Fohner Jr., 60, of 8002 Pennsylvania Ave., was charged with theft on April 19 for allegedly taking a sign for challenger David Herold posted in front of the Strawpump Volunteer Fire Department on North Thompson Lane. The sign was valued at $14.75.
Fohner said yesterday he was a bit surprised at the course of events.
"I went into the pre-trial conference before Judge (Debra A.) Pezze fully prepared to go to a jury trial to prove my innocence. The attorneys had a discussion among themselves and then said the charges would be dropped. So that's about all I can say," he said.
Fohner lost the party nomination to Herold during the May primary, but had enough Republican write-in votes to win a spot on the Nov. 6 ballot. He also lost that race to Herold, a former commissioner who was defeated by Fohner four years ago.
Herold could not be reached for comment.
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