Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger has fired one of his employees for working on a political campaign during office hours.

The employee was Mary Betts, the victim witness advocate coordinator.

“We had an allegation of political activity conducted on county time and on county equipment,” Goldinger said. “As the district attorney, I have to have zero tolerance for that.”

He fired her Friday.

He would not detail the political activity or whose campaign the work was done for.

He did say the candidate claimed to have no knowledge of Betts working on the campaign during her workday.

Upon hearing of the activity, Goldinger on March 23 suspended Betts without pay. An internal hearing was held Thursday when Betts was able to present her side.

Goldinger said she didn’t refute the allegation, but claimed ignorance that she was doing anything wrong.

Butler attorney Tom May, who represent Betts, said his client is not admitting she is guilty, just that she didn’t believe any of her actions were improper.

Betts was hired by the county in May 2000.