Former THA chairman John Keller has been found in violation of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act.
Order Summary: John Keller, as a Member of the Board of Directors of The Harrisburg Authority, violated Section 1103(a) of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. ?1103(a), when he used the authority of his public position by participating in discussions and actions of THA to award contracts valued in excess of $500 to J2 Consulting, a business with which Keller?s son is associated.
A violation of Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. ?1103(a), occurred in relation to Keller participating in actions of THA to approve payments issued to J2 Consulting, including the direction that payment be made for a disputed August 2007 invoice, and when he executed payment checks as the THA signatory for payment of J2 Consulting invoices.
A violation of Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. ?1103(a), occurred in relation to Keller obtaining computer equipment and accessories purchased by THA and retaining these items for his personal use after his term ended.
Per the Consent Agreement of the parties, Keller is directed to make payment in the amount of $10,000.00 payable to The Harrisburg Authority and forwarded to the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission by no later than the thirtieth (30th) day after the mailing date of this Order.
Per the Consent Agreement of the parties, Keller is further directed to not accept any reimbursement, compensation or other payment from THA representing a full or partial reimbursement of the amount paid in settlement of this matter.
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Archival Video from 9.5.7 Harrisburg Authority board member Eric Papenfuse discusses Pay-to-Play practices concerning the consultants hired by The Harrisburg Authority and campaign money donated to Mayor Reed's Committee For A Better Harrisburg .