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Investigation Underway into Former Sanitary Director

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Just a few weeks after its executive director retired, it appears the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority is being investigated. The Luze...

HANOVER TOWNSHIP -- Just a few weeks after its executive director retired, it appears the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority is being investigated.

The Luzerne County district attorney's office announced Thursday it is opening an investigation into possible wrongdoing.

Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis confirmed with Newswatch 16 that a criminal investigation is now underway on Fred DeSanto after complaints against him were filed in August.

DeSanto retired from his position as executive director of the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority on August 27, about two weeks after the board received complaints on him and his position.

DeSanto spent 31 years working at the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority and was promoted to executive director in 1998, a position he held until he retired in late August.

Investigators said this is a criminal probe into possible misuse of funds. Salavantis said the other board members are cooperating, and told Newswatch 16 DeSanto has not been interviewed by county detectives as of now.

Newswatch 16 spoke with the acting executive director of the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority James Tomaine, and he declined comment until the investigation wraps up.  He did say the board is cooperating with the investigation.

There's no word on how long the investigation will last or what if any charges DeSanto could face.

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