Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a potential candidate for the Democratic vice presidential nomination, is facing scrutiny over his record in office, with particular attention on several controversial cases. Here’s a closer look at the significant issues currently surrounding his administration.
Questions over Shapiro’s Handling of the 2011 Death of Ellen Greenberg
In 2011, the tragic death of Ellen Greenberg, a 27-year-old teacher from Philadelphia, raised numerous questions. Greenberg was discovered in her apartment by her fiancé, with over 20 stab wounds on her body. Initially, the medical examiner’s office classified her death as a homicide. However, the police contested this ruling, citing the locked apartment door and the absence of defensive wounds on the fiancé. Subsequently, the medical examiner’s office changed the ruling to suicide.
Greenberg’s parents have persistently sought to have the case reopened. Their efforts gained traction when a lawyer for the family was elected as Philadelphia’s district attorney in 2018. However, citing a conflict of interest, the district attorney recused himself and referred the case to Shapiro’s office.
In February 2022, Shapiro’s office reviewed the case and reaffirmed the suicide ruling. However, by July 2022, amid criticisms and allegations of Shapiro’s connections to Greenberg’s fiancé’s family, the case was referred back to the Philadelphia district attorney’s office. Shapiro’s office stated, “While the Office of Attorney General does not have an actual conflict in this matter, circumstances beyond our control have created the appearance of a conflict.”
In July, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court agreed to hear the Greenberg family’s case, with their attorney arguing for a ruling on the authority of coroners and medical examiners in such cases. The family has also initiated a civil suit against various officials and agencies involved.
Accusations of Mishandling a Sexual Harassment Complaint
Governor Shapiro has also faced criticism from the National Women’s Defense League and others over his administration’s handling of a sexual harassment complaint against a former cabinet member. A former employee alleged that Michael Vereb, Shapiro’s head of legislative affairs, harassed her for several months and retaliated against her for reporting the misconduct. The employee resigned after her complaint, citing a lack of action from the governor’s office.
In September 2023, Shapiro’s administration settled the complaint for $295,000, and Vereb resigned shortly thereafter. The parties involved signed a nondisclosure agreement, preventing further public discussion of the case. A spokesperson for Shapiro stated that the governor was not aware of the complaint until months after it was filed and emphasized his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for harassment.
Concerns Over Clemency Decisions
During his tenure as attorney general, Shapiro served on Pennsylvania’s Board of Pardons, where his record on clemency has come under scrutiny. A 2019 report highlighted that Shapiro voted to commute 17 sentences, while his colleague, then-Lt. Governor John Fetterman, voted to commute 30. Fetterman’s advisers have raised concerns that Shapiro has been slow to grant clemency, with particular attention to a controversial case involving two brothers, Lee and Dennis Horton, who have maintained their innocence for over two decades.
In December 2019, the Board of Pardons voted against the Hortons’ clemency request, with Shapiro voting against it. However, when the case was reviewed again in 2020, Shapiro changed his stance and voted in favor of their release. A spokesperson for Shapiro stated that he evaluates each case on its individual merits and highlighted that he has approved more pardons and commutations than his predecessors over the past 25 years.
Implications and Future Trends
The scrutiny surrounding Governor Shapiro’s record reflects a broader trend in the political landscape, where transparency and accountability have become paramount. The handling of sensitive cases, such as the Greenberg death and the sexual harassment complaint, raises questions about the effectiveness of current political leadership and the systems in place to address misconduct.
As public awareness of such issues grows, political figures may face increasing pressure to prioritize transparency and to implement more robust systems for handling allegations of misconduct. The potential for political ramifications is significant, as constituents become more engaged and demanding of their leaders.
Furthermore, the discussion surrounding clemency and the Board of Pardons may lead to a reevaluation of the criteria and processes involved in such decisions. The increasing scrutiny on the justice system, particularly regarding issues of fairness and rehabilitation, may prompt legislative changes that could reshape the landscape of pardons and commutations in Pennsylvania and beyond.
In this evolving political climate, it is crucial for leaders to not only address past criticisms but also to proactively implement changes that foster a culture of accountability and justice. The implications of these cases may resonate beyond Pennsylvania, influencing broader discussions on governance, justice, and the responsibilities of elected officials.
