Roberta Shaffer, a former assistant to the City Manager of DuBois, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of federal program theft and money laundering, admitting her role in embezzling approximately $1.5 million from city funds. The 61-year-old DuBois resident entered her plea before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on May 27, 2026.
From 2010 to 2022, Shaffer, while employed by the city which received over $10,000 in federal assistance annually, collaborated with then-City Manager John Suplizio to open four secret bank accounts. These accounts lacked the required official approval, with Shaffer signing the opening documents at Suplizio’s direction.
Suplizio subsequently diverted about $1.5 million, intended for city accounts, into these unauthorized accounts. The stolen money was used for his personal credit card payments, various personal expenses, and substantial cash withdrawals. Shaffer was responsible for writing and signing many of the checks facilitating these transactions. Funds from the secret accounts also covered donations to local politicians, a fundraiser dinner, and a city employee’s wedding reception.
Shaffer's sentencing is scheduled for September 22, 2026, where she faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, or both. John Suplizio's trial is set to begin on October 5, 2026. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and IRS-Criminal Investigation.