Former county purchasing head claims public records refute theft allegations

In court documents filed Monday, the lawyer for Westmoreland County’s former purchasing director claimed that county leaders approved a transfer of the funds prosecutors contend was stolen during a yearlong payroll scheme.

Kristopher Cardiff, 48, of Trafford was charged with felony theft counts in connection with allegations that he misappropriated more than $9,800 through unapproved overtime payments for himself and department staffers.

Prosecutors contend payroll records showed that between early August 2023 and Aug. 13, 2024, four hourly unionized and two salaried employees reduced their lunch hour by 30 minutes to be paid for a 7-hour work day, rather than standard 6.5 hours for courthouse workers, according to court documents.

Authorities said county officials told investigators Cardiff’s request for overtime was rejected by county finance staff and was not formally considered by the county’s salary board.

Defense attorney David Colecchia, in a pretrial motion, contends the county commissioners at their Jan. 25, 2024, public meeting unanimously approved budget amendments he claims reflect the salary changes for the purchasing department.

Colecchia said invoices on file with the county also support Cardiff’s contention that his actions were justified and approved.

“Given the fiscal department’s review of salaries in the purchasing department and the general services department and its subsequent amendments to compensation being paid … it cannot be said that Kristopher Cardiff had the intent to deceive or take anything because the salaries and payments were reviewed, adjusted and approved as a result of the budget amendment by the Department of Financial Administration.”

Minutes from the commissioners’ public meeting indicate that Cardiff’s department budget was increased by more than $9,300 to reflect the additional salaries, according to the defense.

Cardiff, who serves as president of Trafford Council, was fired as purchasing director by the county commissioners in September after two years on the job. He was formally charged with felony theft counts in November.

In addition to the request for dismissal of the charges, Colecchia argued Westmoreland County judges have a conflict of interest because county tax dollars are used to pay for operation of the court system.

“The bench cannot rule if there are others who can control the purse strings of the judiciary and potentially retaliate against the bench or reward the bench depending upon the ruling to be made,” Colecchia wrote.

He asked that a judge from another county be appointed to preside over Cardiff’s case.