Ex- Falls Twp. Public Works Director Enters Probation Program

FALLS TOWNSHIP, PA —The township's former public works director will enter a special Bucks County probation program for personal purchases he made using municipal funds, authorities said.

Jason Lawson, 52, of Fairless Hills, was granted entry into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office told Patch on Wednesday.

With his entry into the program, Lawson —who appeared in Bucks County Court on Tuesday —must repay Falls $6,174.42, which reflects the amount he misappropriated minus a credit the township received after returning car parts Lawson purchased for himself, authorities said.

The Bucks County District Attorney's Office stated the program also calls for Lawson to perform 10 hours of community service, and serve six months of unsupervised probation with full payment upfront, which could lead to his criminal record being expunged.

Falls Township officials were asked about Lawson's updated criminal status on Wednesday.

"No comment," said Theresa Katalinas, a spokeswoman for the township, adding that the position has yet to be filled.

The Bucks County District Attorney's Office began an investigationinto Lawson last July for "allegations of potential wrongdoing."

Lawson faced felony charges including theft, forgery, and receiving stolen property, and a misdemeanor charge of records tampering, court records stated.

Lawson had worked for Falls Township since 2016.

He worked for Bristol Township for three decades and led the public works department for nearly 10 years there.