Columbia Borough solicitor calls employee misconduct rumors 'Unfounded' after internal investigation

Gabel: "At the conclusion of the investigation, it was determined that the rumors of the text messages and inappropriate relationship were unfounded." [Columbia Spy file photo]

JOE LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY 

At the March 10, 2026 Columbia Borough Council meeting, the borough's solicitor publicly addressed long‑running rumors of employee misconduct, disclosing that an internal investigation found no evidence to support the allegations.

Solicitor Evan Gabel read a prepared statement explaining that the borough had investigated claims that surfaced in July 2024, alleging that a former borough employee and an elected official had exchanged inappropriate text messages and carried on an inappropriate relationship. Gabel said he led the investigation in coordination with the Columbia Borough Police Department.

According to the statement, the borough typically does not comment on personnel matters involving employees or elected officials. Gabel said that policy is grounded in privacy protections under the law, but he added that the volume of rumors circulating in public meetings and “other forums” prompted the borough to address the issue directly.

Gabel emphasized that officials “take these matters very seriously” and conducted the inquiry “to the fullest extent of its authority.” 

"At the conclusion of the investigation, it was determined that the rumors of the text messages and inappropriate relationship were unfounded. No similar criminal complaint was filed by either party allegedly involved and there was no further action that could be taken by the borough at that time."
— Borough Solicitor Evan Gabel, reading the borough's official statement

Gabel said the borough chose to speak publicly because “potentially defamatory statements” had been made in public settings, and officials felt they had “no choice but to stop the spread of misinformation.”

Gabel stated that the borough considers the matter closed and will make no further comment.