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Attorney: Police Corporal Blew the Whistle

MAHANOY CITY — The attorney for a police officer under investigation in Mahanoy City says his client was actually the whistleblower about the missing mone...
police problems

MAHANOY CITY -- The attorney for a police officer under investigation in Mahanoy City says his client was actually the whistleblower about the missing money that was evidence in a drug case.

Mahanoy City Police Corporal Michael Dissinger says that investigation left the borough council no choice but to suspend him with pay.

That happened Wednesday night.

But his lawyer from Frackville worries that instead of being credited with bringing the problem to light, the public may now see Dissinger as a dirty cop.

Attorney Joe Nahas represents Dissinger. He denies Dissinger had anything to with the disappearance of $10,000 seized from a bath salts dealer in 2014.

According to Nahas, Dissinger alerted the Schuylkill County District Attorney's office in February that the money was missing and then told his Police Chief John Kaczmarczyk.

"The chief got very upset with my client, and questioned my client as to why he went, 'over his head'," said Nahas.

Kaczmarczyk unexpectedly retired a week ago, as the investigation was underway.

So, what happened to the missing drug money?

Dissinger's lawyer says it could have been taken by any Mahanoy City cop because the keys to the department's two evidence rooms hung on a peg at the police department.

No one had to sign the keys in or out, and could take the keys at any time.

"Corporal Dissinger, as well, felt that that was a sloppy practice," Nahas said.

"He tried to institute a police of logging evidence," added Nahas. "But unfortunately, things went back to the old ways again."

For now, Dissinger will have to wait while the investigation into the missing money continues. He fears his suspension, even though it is with pay, makes him look guilty to the people of Mahanoy City.

"I don't know all the facts, but hopefully, they'll get it straightened out and everything will work out OK," said resident Jennifer Cracchiolo.

"We don't have enough information right now to make a judgment as to what's going on," added resident Bob Trakes.

"I am extremely confident that if he is charged, that he will be vindicated," said Nahas.

We wanted to know if Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine Holman would agree that Dissinger was the first to alert her office to the missing drug money. She said she cannot comment on the case, including as to when or if anyone will be charged.

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