Washington's Kristine Blanchard has been suspended indefinitely, the mayor says.
A Warren County municipal official has been indefinitely suspended after police secured her office.
Local police on Friday "sealed" the office of Washington Borough Manager/Clerk Kristine Blanchard, according to borough Mayor Scott McDonald. The borough council held an emergency meeting Monday night in which they approved Blanchard's suspension, the mayor said.
Borough officials had asked police on Friday for "assistance in a personnel issue," McDonald said. He declined to elaborate on what prompted the request.
Washington Township police secured Washington Borough Clerk/Manager Kristine Blanchard's office after being requested by borough officials to assist in a personnel matter. (Courtesy photo) As of Tuesday afternoon, there were no indications from the borough or court documents that any charges have been filed.
Washington Township police Chief Tom Cicerelle -- whose department covers the borough -- deferred all questions to the Warren County Prosecutor's Office. Prosecutor Richard Burke could not immediately be reached Tuesday for comment.
A phone number for Blanchard could not be found.
The Warren County native started as borough clerk in June 2006 and was named the borough's interim manager in 2012, eventually appointing her to both positions full-time.
McDonald said that Blanchard last month tendered her resignation as borough manager, effective later this month, but planned to stay on as clerk.
Washington's part-time chief financial officer, Natasha Turchan, has been named the borough's temporary manager, the mayor said.
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.