Erie notary and County Councilman Ebert Beeman was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison for four counts of Social Security fraud. Beeman used a fraudulently obtained Social Security number to apply for two credit cards and two jobs. 

Erie County District Attorney Jack Daneri has now begun the process of removing Beeman from his council seat. Daneri filed a quo warranto complaint in Erie County Court to ask a judge to rule that Beeman, 62, has forfeited his right to hold public office. Beeman was elected to county council in 2009.

According to a provision in the Pennsylvania Constitution, “any person hereafter convicted of embezzlement of public moneys, bribery, perjury, or other infamous crime” cannot serve in a public office.

Beeman has refused to resign his $8,780-a-year position on council. County Councilman Fiore Leone said he will propose a resolution for council’s Aug. 14 meeting requesting that Beeman forfeit his council seat immediately. Beeman represents County Council’s 6th District, which includes much of southeastern Erie County.

In 2011, the Internal Revenue Service seized his four Waterford-area properties, including his home and business to settle what it claims is Beeman’s $2.1 million tax debt. Beeman is also appealing his seventh and eighth convictions for driving on a suspended driver’s license.