Former Harrisburg treasurer John Campbell last week waived his preliminary hearing on the charges he is facing relating to his alleged theft from two organizations with which he was involved.
Campbell, 26, was arrested in August on theft and unfair or deceptive acts charges stemming from $8,500 that was missing from Lighten Up Harrisburg. Campbell reportedly admitted to writing checks to himself from the organization’s account to cover personal expenses such as medical bills and tuition. The following month, another theft charge was added after it was discovered that he allegedly stole $2,750 from Capital Regional Stonewall Democrats, an LGBT political-action committee. The money amounted to almost half the group’s annual budget.
Campbell worked as development director of Equality Pennsylvania from April-August, at which time he was suspended. He later resigned as treasurer of Harrisburg. He resigned from the board of the Capital Regional Stonewall Democrats this past summer.
A review of Harrisburg city financials was conducted after Campbell’s arrest and no abnormalities were discovered.
Campbell was elected in 2011 and took office January 2012, at age 23.