Allegheny Co. employee accused of stalking, harassment suspended without pay

An Allegheny County Controller's Office analyst accused of harassing his ex-boyfriend has been suspended without pay, according to officials.

James Sheppard was released on his own recognizance after being charged with stalking and harassment and unlawful use of a computer.

For the past several years, Sheppard worked for Allegheny County Controller Chelsa Wagner. He told police he may have used his work computer a few times while allegedly targeting his ex-boyfriend.

A spokesman for the controller's office tells Target 11 that while these are just allegations, there was enough evidence in the criminal complaint to suspend Sheppard without pay.

According to the complaint, police say Sheppard hacked into his ex-boyfriend’s social media accounts tampered with several personal sites, even blocking some of his friends.

Investigators say he also posted disparaging comments on Craigslist.

Target 11 went to Sheppard's home Friday but there was no answer.

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Police say that, while questioning Sheppard, he admitted to most of the allegations.

"He stated that he does not know why he continues to harass .... and apologized for his bad behavior.  James appeared to be very remorseful for his behavior," police wrote.

Friday afternoon, Sheppard's attorney, Ryan Tutera, told Target 11 Sheppard did not use a work computer at all, but other than that he had no comment on the charges.

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