The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Peru Town Supervisor Donald Covel told the Peru Gazette this morning, “All charges against me have been dismissed with the exception of the charge related to the firing of Paul Blaine.” Covel’s statement was confirmed by the Clinton County Court and by Covel’s attorney Mark Cowen. Cowen said, “The charges of official misconduct against Don Covel were dismissed as well as the charges against Linda Covel.”  The Town Supervisor’s wife, Linda, had been charged with one count of filing a false instrument and one count of making a false written statement. Cowen said that Judge Patrick McGill dismissed the charges after concluding that the Grand Jury had been improperly instructed. It is possible that District Attorney Andrew Wiley could bring the case before another Grand Jury. Cowen said negotiations are continuing between himself and the District Attorney’s office regarding the last outstanding charge of obstructing governmental administration in the second degree.  

A Clinton County Grand Jury indicted Donald and Linda Covel in September 2008. Donald Covel is accused of abusing his powers in office by firing Code and Zoning Enforcement Officer Paul Blaine without authorization. He had been accused of subsequently approving an occupancy and building-permit application that his wife Linda submitted for Frosty Springs Bottling Company. Mrs. Covel is the legal owner of that company.