The Daily Item, Sunbury, PA

December 3, 2009

State hospital worker admits guilt

He forged letter stating co-worker was laid off


DANVILLE — A man employed at the Danville State Hospital who created a fake letter stating a co-worker was being furloughed has pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct.

Bryan P. Sokoloskie, 25, of 5 S. Hickory St., Elysburg, entered the plea Tuesday before Montour County District Judge Marvin Shrawder.

Mahoning Township police charged him in July with tampering with public records/information and disorderly conduct.

Sokloskie, a psychiatric aide at the hospital, approached Sheri Simpson, a registered nurse, on June 30 and handed her a sealed letter telling her the RN supervisor asked him to give it to her.

The letter was in a state envelope and the letter was on a state hospital letterhead stating she was being furloughed due to budget cuts, according to the charges.

The letter was signed by Hospital Administrator Donna Ashbridge.

When questioned by a hospital security officer, Sokoloskie said he photocopied another official letter with Ashbridge’s signature on it to make the fake letter, police said.