The state Attorney General's Office has identified Greenville-West Salem Township policeman William G. Roesch as the focal point of an ongoing investigation into allegations Roesch sexually harassed five women.

Roesch, a 24-year department veteran, has been on paid suspension since Dec. 16. Claims of harassment surfaced against him in mid-November.

A spokesman for the AG's office said the office identified Roesch to "lift a cloud of suspicion" off the department.

The spokesman would not provide any other details regarding the pending probe.

Greenville Mayor Clifford Harriger said he did not identify Roesch in the past because he was told "not to reveal his name under any circumstances" by the Mercer County District Attorney's Office and then the state AG's office. District Attorney James P. Epstein said today he had no "strong objections" to the office releasing the name.

Harriger said there has been no change in Roesch's employment status; he is earning about $3,000 a month while on suspension.

Roesch would not comment on the matter, but referred The Herald to his attorney, Joseph Valentino of Sharon.

Valentino said he was surprised the state released Roesch's name. Valentino said no charges have been filed against his client but he would fight vigorously against them if they were.

Of the five women allegedly involved, one worked for the borough years ago, two never worked for the borough and two were the police dispatchers who leveled claims against Roesch. One of those dispatchers has quit.

With Roesch on suspension and the recent retirement of police chief Barry Williams, the police department is down to 11 full-time policemen and one part-timer, according to a department spokeswoman. Sgt. Thomas Strahler is acting chief.

Roesch and his wife, Barbara, recently bought a flower shop -- Jerome and Baird Floral and Gift Shoppe -- on Main Street in Greenville for $110,000, according to paperwork filed Wednesday at the Mercer County Recorder's Office.