Authorities in Clearfield County say a man is facing harassment charges following an investigation into alleged Facebook comments made against former DuBois city manager John “Herm” Suplizio.
Police say 40-year-old Justin Heffner, of DuBois, is accused of making various comments on a social media post about the federal fraud/theft investigation against Suplizio.
Suplizio was initially arrested in March of 2023 following an investigation into the alleged embezzlement of over $600,000 in city government funds.
The case was later handed over to federal prosecutors, with several delays since being reported.
According to the affidavit, troopers say Heffner posted multiple comments on a Facebook post by the DuBoisLive.com group, which was dated August 3rd.
In the first comment, investigators say Heffner allegedly asked, “Can someone just take him out?” Police noted that this comment was still publicly viewable at the time of the investigation.
Police say a second comment, which was reportedly shown to them via a screenshot, taken by one of Suplizio’s family members, allegedly stated, “every person in DuBois should get to kick his a**, then he could get his punishment. Street justice.”
Authorities note that this comment has since been deleted from the post.
Police say they later interviewed Suplizio and asked if he was aware of the alleged comments.
Troopers say he stated that his family member, who had taken the screenshots, had reportedly told him about them.
Police say Suplizio further stated that he interpreted the initial comment on the post about “taking him out” as an alleged threat.
Investigators say Suplizio also made reference to the July assassination attempt of former president Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, stating that the alleged comments are “more serious than someone simply making a statement.”
Police say that when they questioned Heffner about the alleged comments, he reportedly admitted to posting them.
According to online court records, Heffner is facing one misdemeanor charge of harassment threatening language.
Heffner’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 20th.
