Sacavage's daughter hired by adult probation office

SUNBURY - Northumberland County President Robert B. Sacavage's daughter has been hired by the court as an adult probation officer.

Santina Sacavage, 23, of Mount Carmel, began working Jan. 17 as an adult probation officer intern, an entry level probationary position. Her starting salary is $27,900.

She is a graduate of Penn State University, where she majored in criminal justice and sociology.

Judge Sacavage said Thursday his daughter was hired by Judge William H. Wiest and Chief Adult Probation Officer Dave Wondoloski, who interviewed the candidate.

He said a position was not created for his daughter, noting an opening occurred when longtime adult probation officer Barb Moncavage retired.

"Santina is well qualified for the position, which was properly posted," Wondoloski said. "We checked with the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) to make sure there would be no conflict of interest or ethical violations involved with hiring Judge Sacavage's daughter. The AOPC informed us that as long as the candidate was qualified and a position wasn't being created, it was OK to hire her."

Wondoloski said the position is paid with county funds, Act 35 funding and state grant and aid revenues.