WESTMORELAND COUNTY OFFICIALS SUSPEND DIRECTOR OF PURCHASING DEPARTMENT

For the second time in less than a year, Westmoreland County officials have suspended the director of the county’s purchasing department.  The Trib reports that Daniel Ellingsen was placed on paid leave early last week for undisclosed reasons.  The suspension was changed yesterday to unpaid leave, according to Commissioner Ted Kopas.  He was unable to comment on why he was suspended, but said there was no criminal behavior alleged.  Ellingsen was named the department director after Kristopher Cardiff was let go after he was charged with felony and misdemeanor theft for unauthorized raises for the four person staff and two managers.