Rep. David Maloney announced on Apr. 15 that he has requested a grand jury be convened to investigate allegations of abuse and harassment of employees within the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), with particular concern for female staff and conservation officers.
The request follows media reports describing instances where women employees and game wardens have allegedly faced threats, abuse, and indiscriminate firings. Maloney said in his letter that action is needed because the Pennsylvania Attorney General is required by statute to defend state entities such as the PGC, making it unable to independently address these concerns.
“The silence on the documented reports of employees and game wardens being abused, threatened and fired indiscriminately in the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) is deafening,” Maloney wrote. He continued, “On behalf of the employees who are asking for us to help them, I request a grand jury investigative hearing to get the facts and take sworn testimony about the PGC’s systematic abuse of employees, particularly women, and getting to the heart of what truly is destroying the PGC – corruption.” Maloney cited published media excerpts alleging inappropriate comments made over radio communications by PGC personnel.
He also referenced findings from the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board that validated grievances about toxic behavior at least twice within the commission. “Just as sunshine destroys mold, so can shining public light on a toxic work environment,” Maloney said in his letter.
Maloney serves as Republican chairman for the House Game and Fisheries Committee according to his official website. He represents communities in Berks County including Alsace Township, Colebrookdale Township, Bally Borough, and Boyertown Borough according to his official website.
His legislative priorities include allowing public schools to host hunter education courses as noted on his official website, eliminating property taxes, protecting children through background checks for those working with youth and mandatory reporting requirements for schools regarding child abuse according to his official website. Additionally, he has championed measures such as establishing September 27 as First Responders Day and requiring POW/MIA flags be displayed on state properties as reported by his office.
Looking ahead, Maloney’s call for a grand jury seeks greater transparency regarding internal practices at PGC while urging lawmakers to listen closely to victims’ accounts.
