Major Shakeup In Philadelphia Sheriff's Office

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A major shakeup today in the Philadelphia Sheriff's office as the new Sheriff booted three top officials, imposed a moratorium on the sale of foreclosed homes and severed ties with a private firm.

Acting Sheriff Barbara Deeley promised reforms when succeeded longtime Sheriff John Green on Monday and announced sweeping changes by week's end. Three longtime top aides to Green were suspended with intent to dismiss, and another transferred. And Deeley brought in former City Controller Joe Vignola (pictured above) to look into potential improprieties.

Vignola says the District Attorney's office has been contacted:

"Our discussions with other stakeholders in the matter led to us to believe that there could be a lack of internal controls and monies that could not be properly accounted for."

Deeley also cut ties with a private firm called Reach Communications. Vignola said its unclear what services Reach provided to the sheriff's office and how much they were paid.

Reported by Mike Dunn, KYW Newsradio