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Candidate Running For Exeter Twp. Supervisor Facing Charges

EXETER TOWNSHIP — Richard Overman is one of three candidates on the Republican ticket vying for Exeter Township supervisor, according to the Luzerne Count...
rich overman

EXETER TOWNSHIP -- Richard Overman is one of three candidates on the Republican ticket vying for Exeter Township supervisor, according to the Luzerne County Bureau of Elections. But because of charges recently filed against him, he could be sitting in prison instead of the township office.

Overman has served as an Exeter Township supervisor since 2004 and he is now seeking another six years on the Republican ticket. But a criminal complaint filed by the state alleges Overman tampered with public records, lied to authorities, and even charged for labor he didn't perform for his duties as Exeter Township supervisor.

No one answered the door at Overman's home in Exeter Township.  But according to an affidavit, Overman, as well as supervisors John Coolbaugh, and James Dowse misused thousands of tax dollars.  The affidavit says the supervisors were supposed to use the money to build an emergency services building, but the lot sits empty.

Overman, along with supervisor James Dowse, claims to have worked on the site. But Dowse is handicapped, and the attorney general's office also says there's no evidence to support Overman working there, either.

Now, some voters in Exeter Township say they want to see a change in leadership and they'll try to make that happen Tuesday.

“You're a taxpayer and you expect honesty in the office people are voted into,” said Joe Cicierski, a voter in Exeter Township. He said he's going to choose carefully who he votes for after hearing about the charges and hopes others do the same.

“These are people that we vote into office to trust to do the best for the taxpayers. And unfortunately, there's been some supervisors not worth of that position,” Cicierski said.

State laws bars people convicted of "infamous crimes" from holding public office. Overman, as well as the other supervisors, face 10 years behind bars if convicted on all charges.

Meanwhile, the primary for folks to vote is Tuesday and doors open at 7 a.m.

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