Disciplinary Actions - November 2019
Three notaries from three counties were disciplined by the Department of State for violations against the notary public law.
Bucks County
A Newtown notary had her commission suspended for six months, which was stayed in favor of probation for failing to keep and maintain custody of her journal and to keep an accurate chronological journal of all her official acts. She must successfully complete six hours of a notary education course and pay a civil penalty of $800.
Lackawanna County
A notary from Clarks Summit, was suspended for six months, which was stayed in favor of probation for failing to maintain custody and control of an accurate chronological journal. He violated the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts by failing to have numbered pages in his notarial journal and failing to include required information for each journal entry. he received fees in excess of the fee limit fixed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and was assessed a civil penalty of $500 and $300 for the costs of the investigation. Additionally, he was ordered to successfully complete a six-hour notary education course.
Perry County
A Duncannon notary was suspended for 12 months, with three months served as active suspension followed by nine months of probation for failing to require the personal appearance of the party who was executing the instrument. In addition, she failed to keep and maintain an accurate chronological journal and record the notarization of a party's signature. She must successfully complete six hours of a notary education course and pay a civil penalty of $500 and $560 in continued monitoring costs.
Bucks County
A Newtown notary had her commission suspended for six months, which was stayed in favor of probation for failing to keep and maintain custody of her journal and to keep an accurate chronological journal of all her official acts. She must successfully complete six hours of a notary education course and pay a civil penalty of $800.
Lackawanna County
A notary from Clarks Summit, was suspended for six months, which was stayed in favor of probation for failing to maintain custody and control of an accurate chronological journal. He violated the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts by failing to have numbered pages in his notarial journal and failing to include required information for each journal entry. he received fees in excess of the fee limit fixed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and was assessed a civil penalty of $500 and $300 for the costs of the investigation. Additionally, he was ordered to successfully complete a six-hour notary education course.
Perry County
A Duncannon notary was suspended for 12 months, with three months served as active suspension followed by nine months of probation for failing to require the personal appearance of the party who was executing the instrument. In addition, she failed to keep and maintain an accurate chronological journal and record the notarization of a party's signature. She must successfully complete six hours of a notary education course and pay a civil penalty of $500 and $560 in continued monitoring costs.
