Constable Serves Lawsuit to Township Supervisors

Pocono Township, Monroe County - A township supervisor in the Poconos claims he is the victim of a scheme that violated the law and cost him his job. Today he had his fellow supervisors served with law suit papers.

Eyewitness News was there as a constable served supervisors Frank Hess and Henry Bengel with the legal paperwork. This is the second time this week the men have been served court documents. The first time it was a notice that they were being sued. The second time, the Constable delivered details of that suit.

The documents claim Bengel and Hess violated the Sunshine Act and conspired to remove Werkheiser from his job as Road Master. Werkheiser said he was removed so Bengel could take the position himself, at a 40% higher salary. Bengel has argued that his taking the position would not cost taxpayers anymore because Werkheiser took health benefits but he would not.

The suit claims Bengel and Hess held secret meetings that violated rules requiring public discussions about jobs. It also complains that there was no public notice that a Road Master position would be available.

Werkheiser claims the actions of the other supervisors caused irreparable harm and wasted tax payer money. He has also pointed out that about 200 residents have signed a petition to reverse the recent decisions.

Werkheiser has asked to have a judge reinstate him as Road Master and prevent the other supervisors from having that job. He also wants the township to pay his legal fees.

All three men involved declined to speak with Eyewitness News about the situation. They said to contact their attorneys. The township attorney said he has not yet had a chance to review the suit. Werkheiser's attorney did not return a request for comment.