Embattled attorney takes leave from Upper St. Clair

Charles McCullough is taking a leave of absence from his post as Upper St. Clair solicitor, but will maintain his Allegheny County Council seat as he fights theft charges, his lawyer said Tuesday.

"With Upper St. Clair, it was more of a mutual discussion about representation," said attorney Clifford B. Levine, who has been speaking for McCullough since the Republican councilman's arrest Feb. 19.

"Both Chuck and Upper St. Clair recognize the situation and both recognized that Chuck needed an opportunity to organize his defense here. Both sides felt they didn't want a distraction. Hopefully it's relatively short term, but it's somewhat open-ended."

McCullough, 54, is accused of two dozen counts of theft, conspiracy and filing false reports. A county grand jury says he illegally used power-of-attorney authority and tried to steal more than $100,000 from the estate of Shirley Jordan, 92, a widow from Upper St. Clair.

Township commissioners support McCullough's decision to temporarily step down, according to a statement released by the manager's office. Irving Firman of the firm Tucker Arensberg will be the township's interim solicitor.

"(McCullough) grew up in Upper St. Clair, he lives in Upper St. Clair and he is always committed to the commissioners to do what's in their and the town's best interest," Levine added.

County Council's first regular meeting since McCullough's arrest is tonight at 5.