Minority Leader Joe Lorigo is requesting a special counsel be appointed to investigate accusations made against Erie County in connection with former Social Service Commissioner Al Dirschberger’s indictment on rape charges. His resolution unanimously passed the legislature by a vote of 11-0 Thursday afternoon.

In a notice of claim that was recently filed, the county is accused of negligent hiring practices, failing to act on multiple complaints of Dirschberger’s actions, failing to inform subordinates of his actions and failing to stop the repeated behavior.

“These claims must be investigated immediately and it must be done by someone outside county government to ensure transparency,” said Legislator Lorigo. “We need to determine the facts of what happened and protect our county employees moving forward. These are very serious accusations that deserve a fair, thorough investigation and I am happy I have the full support of my colleagues in taking those steps.”

The resolution asks the following questions be answered by an independent investigator:
•         Was the county negligent in the hiring and supervision of Al Dirschberger?
•         Was anyone in county government aware of sexual harassment and/or abuse by Al Dirschberger while he was employed by Erie County, and allowed said conduct to continue unabated?
•         Was the county negligent in their duty to protect employees from Al Dirschberger, or instances of sexual harassment or assault?
•         Was the county negligent in failing to protect employees from the dangers posed by Al Dirschberger?
•         Who had, or should have had actual or constructive notice of the prior actions of Al Dirschberger, specific to sexually harassing and or abusing employees in his charge?

The special counsel would be obtained through the RFP process publicly issued no later than April 12th.

The full resolution can be viewed here.