(02/09/06) MIDDLETOWN ? Some light has been shed on the mysterious suspension of Middletown School Superintendent David Witmer.

Witmer was suspended for 120 days without pay on February 1. At the time, no explanation was given for the punishment. However, it is now known that Witmer stands accused of misappropriating $23,000 and changing reports in his personal file that contained damaging information.

The school board says Witmer took unrecorded vacation days and directed the personnel office to move unused personal days into his sick leave account. Unused sick and vacation time can be sold back to the district at the end of Witmer?s contract. Witmer has two weeks to respond to the charges in writing.

Related story: Board slaps Middletown school superintendent with unpaid suspension