A person who, under color of an employer's authority, violates this act shall be liable for a civil fine of not more than $10,000. Additionally, except where the person holds an elected public office, if the court specifically finds that the person, while in the employment of the Commonwealth or a political subdivision, committed a violation of this act with the intent to discourage the disclosure of criminal activity, the court may order the person's suspension from public service for not more than seven years. A civil fine which is ordered under this section shall be paid to the State Treasurer for deposit into the General Fund.
43 P.S. § 1426