BELLEFONTE — County commissioners said June 27 they were puzzled over a suit filed by a lawyer representing Montgomery County attorney Bruce Castor that demands more than $50,000 in payment.
The commissioners said they have never had contract with Castor and no agreement was approved through the salary board. They also said the new suit was unique and bizarre.
Castor represented District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller in 2015 after she was accused of forging a judge’s signature. The case was handed over to the Attorney General’s Office and no charges were filed. Parks Miller then filed a federal lawsuit against the commissioners and other Centre County employees.
Castor was then appointed by Parks Miller as a special assistant district attorney for Centre County.
He then sent an invoice to the county in 2016 for repayment in the amount of $126,175 for Parks Miller’s defense, but that was denied by county solicitor Elizabeth Dupuis.
Castor has been involved with other lawsuits involving Centre County. In 2015, he brought forth a suit on behalf of Parks Miller over a right-to-know request of her phone records. Parks Miller also had a separate suit against the county over the forging allegations, and she was facing a defamation lawsuit filed by a former paralegal.
The commissioners said they never approved a contract with Castor and have no relationship with him or his firm. They are responsible for approving contracts and payment for services as part of their duties.
Commissioner Steve Dershem said they do not yet know how much Castor is seeking, only that the amount is above $50,000 and that paperwork was filed in Montgomery County. He described it as “puzzling” and “bizarre.”
“I find this quizzical at best, and bizarre at most, and, quite frankly, disappointing,” Dershem said.
Dershem said he hoped that whatever action the commissioners take would limit any further exposure and that relationships would end with any of those involved so they will not have to deal with it in the future. He suggested the commissioners send a cease and desist letter.
Commissioner Mark Higgins said the county has no relationship, formal or informal, with Castor, and has never approved a contract with him.
Commissioner Michael Pipe said the situation was totally unique and the county was going to be cautious and “understand what kind of implications there are.” He said the suit and demand for payment was in its earliest stages and it was too soon to tell if there would be any costly legal action.
