Disciplinary Actions - January-February 2020
Four notaries in three counties were disciplined by the Department of State for violations against the notary public law.
Northumberland County
A Coal Township notary must pay a civil penalty of $1,000 and probation assessment fees of $1,050 because she failed to require the personal appearance of all relevant parties for the notarization of a vehicle title and altered a document after the notarization was performed. In addition, she failed to maintain an accurate and chronological notary journal. She had her notary commission suspended for 24 months, of which 21 months were stayed in favor of probation; the remaining three months must be an active suspension. Additionally, she must successfully complete a six-hour notary education course during the active suspension period.
Philadelphia County
A Philadephia notary had her notary commission suspended for six months, which was stayed in favor of probation, forr violating the terms of her August 1, 2018 consent agreement and order. She was levied a probation assessment fee of $300.
A notary from Philadelphia agreed to the issuance of an order by the Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth. He was levied a civil penalty of $250 and must complete a six-hour notary education course.
Westmoreland County
An Irwin notary had her notary commission suspended for nine months, which was stayed in favor of probation, for failing to require the personal appearance of the individual executing the notary act. She also failed to keep and maintain accurate records in her notary journal, including failing to record notary fees. She must successfully complete a six-hour notary education course and pay a civil penalty of $500 and probation assessment fees of $450.
Northumberland County
A Coal Township notary must pay a civil penalty of $1,000 and probation assessment fees of $1,050 because she failed to require the personal appearance of all relevant parties for the notarization of a vehicle title and altered a document after the notarization was performed. In addition, she failed to maintain an accurate and chronological notary journal. She had her notary commission suspended for 24 months, of which 21 months were stayed in favor of probation; the remaining three months must be an active suspension. Additionally, she must successfully complete a six-hour notary education course during the active suspension period.
Philadelphia County
A Philadephia notary had her notary commission suspended for six months, which was stayed in favor of probation, forr violating the terms of her August 1, 2018 consent agreement and order. She was levied a probation assessment fee of $300.
A notary from Philadelphia agreed to the issuance of an order by the Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth. He was levied a civil penalty of $250 and must complete a six-hour notary education course.
Westmoreland County
An Irwin notary had her notary commission suspended for nine months, which was stayed in favor of probation, for failing to require the personal appearance of the individual executing the notary act. She also failed to keep and maintain accurate records in her notary journal, including failing to record notary fees. She must successfully complete a six-hour notary education course and pay a civil penalty of $500 and probation assessment fees of $450.
