Northampton County’s controller didn’t break the law when he revealed an ex-employee’s social security number to a news crew.
That’s because Controller Stephen Barron didn’t reveal the number on purpose, according to District Attorney John Morganelli.
Northampton County Controller Stephen Barron (Courtesy photo)Courtesy photo
Had he done it intentionally, he may have violated the federal Privacy Act.
Morganelli issued a letter Wednesday to Northampton County Council solicitor Philip Lauer concerning the matter.
Barron disclosed information about former Northampton County adoption supervisor Sara Packer to WFMZ Channel 69 for a report.
Packer was charged last month with helping to kill her 14-year-old adopted daughter as part of a “rape-murder fantasy.”
Barron provided information about Packer’s county employment history to WFMZ-TV. During the broadcast, a camera zoomed in on Barron’s computer screen and Packer’s social security number was briefly visible to viewers.
Barron must be guilty of a “willful or intentional” disclosure of the information in order to be charged with violating the federal privacy act, according to Morganelli.
He doesn’t feel there’s enough evidence to warrant a referral to federal authorities, but that does not preclude Lauer from independently pursuing federal charges or civil remedies.
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“Although his conduct could be considered negligent, and maybe even reckless, that type of conduct would be insufficient to implicate the criminal penalties of the Privacy Act,” he wrote.
Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
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