A former City of DuBois employee pleaded guilty on May 27 to federal program theft and money laundering charges, according to United States Attorney Troy Rivetti. Roberta Shaffer, 61, entered her plea before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.
According to information presented in court, Shaffer worked as assistant to the City Manager from 2010 until 2022. During this period, the City of DuBois received more than $10,000 in federal assistance each year between 2008 and 2022. Prosecutors said that Shaffer and then-City Manager John Suplizio opened four secret bank accounts not approved or signed by the appropriate city officials as required under Pennsylvania law. Shaffer signed the account opening documents at Suplizio’s direction.
Prosecutors said Suplizio diverted approximately $1.5 million intended for official city accounts into these secret accounts. The stolen funds were used for personal credit card payments, various personal expenses, substantial cash withdrawals for Suplizio’s benefit, donations to local politicians, a fundraiser dinner for a local judge, and a city employee’s wedding reception. Many checks paying credit card bills or resulting in cash withdrawals were written and signed by Shaffer. Some cashier’s checks purchased through withdrawals from these accounts—and several large cash deposits—were later deposited into Suplizio’s personal banking accounts.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for Shaffer on September 22, with potential penalties including up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $500,000 or both. The actual sentence will depend on the seriousness of the offenses and any prior criminal history.
Suplizio is scheduled for trial beginning October 5.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway and Special Assistant United States Attorney Summer Carroll (Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General) are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to prosecution.
