County Commissioners Approve Hiring Special Counsel for DA Jason Walsh's Case

Washington County Commissioners have approved the hiring of special counsel to represent District Attorney Jason Walsh in a significant legal case, despite public concerns over the use of taxpayer funds for this purpose. During the meeting on August 1, 2025, the commissioners voted unanimously to engage attorney Shovan Vance at a rate of $4.80 per hour for the King's Bench case filed with the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

Public comments highlighted strong opposition to the decision. Resident Cliff Cochran expressed his discontent, arguing that taxpayers should not bear the costs associated with defending the DA, especially given allegations of coercion involving the county coroner. Another resident, Ellen Field, echoed these sentiments, questioning why only the DA was being represented at taxpayer expense and suggesting that both officials should seek their own legal counsel.

The commissioners acknowledged the concerns but proceeded with the vote, emphasizing the necessity of legal representation in the ongoing case. The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency and a call for greater public engagement in future discussions. As the situation develops, the community will be watching closely to see how these legal proceedings unfold and the implications for local governance.