Jeannette woman accused of pouring sulfuric acid in pipe, burning workers

GREENSBURG, Pa. — A Jeannette woman was arrested and charged with pouring sulfuric acid drain cleaner in a pipe, burning three Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County workers who were restoring service.

According to court documents, Deborah Samulski, 61, was charged with weapons of mass destruction, risking a catastrophe, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief. She was being held without bond.

Documents show the company shut off water service to her home in November after she failed to pay water and sewer bills for several months. Samulski is also accused of making dozens of threatening phone calls to the authority.

On Nov. 25, the workers went to her property to restore service after she paid $450. They found debris clogging access to the shut off valve. They used compressed air to clear the clog, causing them to be sprayed with the liquid. It immediately caused chemical burns and irritation to their skin, according to investigators.

Court documents said detectives questioned a man living at Samulski’s home. He told investigators he saw her pour liquid and human feces into a pipe after complaining about the situation.

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