Feb 16, 2016 2 min read

After a preliminary hearing was postponed several times, Washington police on Tuesday withdrew charges that were filed in December against the former Washington County director of building and grounds.

Gary Bertosh, 54, of South Strabane Township, who lost his job in the wake of alleged threats, left the waiting room of District Judge Robert Redlinger without a scheduled preliminary hearing being convened. No reason was given in court for the dismissal of charges.

Bertosh, who was free on his own recognizance, was charged with two counts of making terroristic threats Dec. 3 against employees of his department, allegedly saying he would “shoot anybody that crosses my path,” among other statements. He reportedly was upset about county health insurance not covering a prescription medication.

County commission Chairman Larry Maggi, who was not present at the district judge’s office, said Tuesday afternoon after charges were withdrawn, “With what’s going on the country now and a lot of violence against government, we can’t necessarily assume anything.”

City police Lt. Daniel Stanek, who conducted interviews after the employees reported the incident to the commissioners’ office, said Tuesday of Bertosh, “He lost his position, and he is no longer employed there.”

“We deferred to the process and let them do what they thought was the right thing to do,” said Maggi, a retired state trooper and former county sheriff.

The county advertised for a building and grounds director, but Maggi said he “did not see (Bertosh’s) name on the applications processed.”

“He has certain rights from the county. He’s following the steps,” through the human resources department, Maggi added.

Scott Fergus, Washington County director of administration, said Tuesday afternoon, “They’re not our charges. I don’t have any comment. He’s not employed here. It was a personnel matter and it’s still a personnel matter. What went on at the magistrate’s office is between the magistrate, police and Mr. Bertosh’s lawyer.”