Pennsylvania DEP Secretary Resigns Over Porn Email Scandal

Chris Abruzzo, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, resigned today. Abruzzo was one of eight Pennsylvania state officials named by Attorney General Kathleen Kane as having received pornographic messages on state email accounts.

Dana Aunkst, a 22-year vet of the department, will take over as Acting DEP Secretary.

The press release announcing his resignation did not mention the pornographic email scandal. “Secretary Abruzzo made his decision based on the best interest of the important mission of the Department of Environmental Protection,” the release said.

But the Pennsylvania Independent got a hold of Abruzzo’s resignation letter (bel0w) and posted it. He mentions the pornographic email scandal directly.

“Although I have not been afforded any opportunity by the Attorney General to review any files supporting the public assertions made against me, it is my concern that these assertions have become a distraction from the great record of this administration; a record that has held the line on taxes for Pennsylvania families, invested the most state dollars for basic education in the history of the state, and put hard-working Pennsylvanians back to work.”

Yes, somehow the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s resignation letter turns into a campaign commercial for Tom Corbett. It’s quite impressive. Abruzzo continues:

“While I have no recollection of the specific accounts described by the media, I accept full responsibility for any lack of judgment I may have exhibited in 2009. I do not condone that behavior and it is not a reflection of the person or professional that I am.”

“I thank Chris for his dedicated service to the people of Pennsylvania,” Gov. Corbett said in the release announcing his resignation. “Our environment and natural resources are better protected today due to his leadership, as well as the hard work of the men and women of DEP.”

Abruzzo’s resignation was effective immediately.

Earlier: Report: Justice McCaffery Forwarded Racy Emails