County Solicitor Weighs in on Shaw Lawsuit

CLEARFIELD – Last week it was announced that a lawsuit was filed against Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. by two Clearfield Borough police officers.

GantDaily has been in the process of contacting attorneys on both sides of the case.

Kim Kesner, solicitor for Clearfield County weighed in on the case.

He said that it is not unusual in his experience where actions might be filed against a prosecuting attorney when there are disagreements.

Kesner explained that as county solicitor, it is his duty to represent county offices facing third party claims. He said that once the complaint is received, it is turned over to the county’s liability coverage.

That group will determine if the issue is covered under the county’s liability, and if so, assign the case to an attorney.

Kesner said that if there the complaint does not fall into an aspect of the county’s coverage, then he would defend the case.

“That’s highly unlikely,” added Kesner.

Kesner stated that the lawsuit will be vigorously defended. He also added that prosecuting attorneys have immunity against most suits in a charging or prosecuting function.

Kesner said that he has asked Shaw not to comment publicly because the DA is named as a party in the suit.

Attempts to contact Stephen Greenberg, attorney for Sgt. Greg Neeper and Officer Brian Dixon were unsuccessful.