John Campbell, facing charges of theft from a local nonprofit organization, resigned as city treasurer of Harrisburg, Pa. and surrendered to Dauphin County prosecutors, Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced.
Papenfuse had threatened to sue Campbell if he didn't resign.
"While the charges have nothing to do with the Office of Treasury, it is in the best interest of everyone involved, most especially the public, that I step down," Campbell, 26, said in a letter to city Solicitor Neil Grover, posted on the website Today's the Day Harrisburg.
On Monday, Dauphin County District Attorney Ed Marsico charged Campbell with theft from the Historic Harrisburg Association, alleging that Campbell, while executive director, wrote 10 checks totaling more than $8,000 to himself over seven months to cover educational and medical expenses. Campbell's attorney, Adam Klein, declined comment pending a review of the charges.
Papenfuse has called for an independent audit of Treasury finances, although he said throughout the week that city finances do not appear compromised. State capital Harrisburg last year averted bankruptcy through a recovery plan that restructured more than $600 million of debt.
The City Council, which has 30 days to fill the part-time, $20,000 position, immediately will begin advertising for a new treasurer and the city will post application forms on its website.
Paul Wambach, who did not seek re-election in 2012 after holding the job for 20 years, will serve as interim treasurer.
"He'll keep the ship afloat, so to speak, while the City Council works things out," said Papenfuse communications director Joyce Davis.
Campbell's signature as treasurer will be on checks issued through Sept. 2 to allow the printing of new checks, according to Papenfuse and Grover.
Association personnel several weeks ago noticed money missing from its account for Lighten Up Harrisburg, a program designed to fix street lights. The organization pledged $24,000 to reimburse Harrisburg for expenses. Papenfuse said the city has yet to receive payment.
Campbell left the association in April to serve as development director for gay-and-lesbian advocacy group Equality Pennsylvania. That organization this week suspended Campbell pending his legal situation.
