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County DA forms committee of municipal police officers
The chain of evidence is key to the successful prosecution of any criminal case.
It's when the chain is broken that problems arise, potentially leading to the dismissal of charges against even the most hardened of criminals.
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The committee held its first meeting Wednesday in Courthouse Square.
Carroll Township police Chief Paul Brand was chosen to chair the committee. Other members include Charleroi police Superintendent Mike Matyas; Monongahela Chief Brian Tempest; Fallowfield Township officer Steve Kenyon; Cecil Township Chief John T. Pushak; McDonald Chief Mark Dorsey; and J. Michael Aaron, chief detective for the district attorney's office.
"Eventually, I want to involve all of the county's 36 police chiefs," said Toprani.
Toprani had the idea to form the committee in light of the recent arrest of former Fallowfield police Officer Allen Pettit.
Pettit was charged for stealing and using drugs being held as evidence at the police department. The drugs were seized during February 2006 raid of the home of Charles Paith, 26, of Van Voorhis.
Now that the evidence is no longer available, Toprani is considering dismissing the criminal case against Paith.
"It may be that we have no alternative," Toprani explained.
While most of the county's police departments seem to be handling evidence with no problems, the district attorney said it's good to have a standard in place to avoid any confusion in the future.
The committee will meet again in March.
same charles paith? : 2/20/2009
Is this the same paith that was just arrested by the state police response team? IF IT IS here is another thug wantabe that we always read in the paper, who the system has failed to lock him up where he belongs, another troy who will kill someone, or be killed .I wonder who the great judge is that keeps releasing paith? another one who violates probation, picksup new charges and is sentenced back to probation!
Paith : 2/20/2009
Bad timing on this article, especially since this person is listed in TODAY'S POLICE BEAT...again.
How about a citizens review board? : 2/21/2009
What wash co needs is a true panel of CITIZENS that would hear complaints of public officals,police officals, abusing their power, stealing money, shooting dogs,busting heads in, citizens are the first to hear whats oing on in the neighborhoods. Too many police officers continue to get away abusing peoples rights, they are use to this,they watch pettit do whatever he pleased, setting snitches up to lie in the courtroom, police were well aware ,but not one stood up to say it was wrong, nobody deserves to be pulled over because of the truth, its wrong for a officer of the law to send untruthful documents, a true citizens board, citizens would not feel afraid, and alone, to speak up, 99% of our police are honest heros, the other 10% might just get in line if something they should not be doing is going to be heard buy the public,
Great idea would serve a purpose : 2/21/2009
I totally agree with reihner, police have overstepped too many times, one of myboys continue to get stoppd by the same officer,he is always worried this cop is capable of planting something in his car
never happen, : 2/22/2009
altough a good idea, these officials think their above answering to anyone,
