Criminal Justice

Two city residents have been charged in connection with a human trafficking investigation following a multi-agency law enforcement operation at Wind Creek Casino.

A 33-year-old woman testified for several hours Tuesday about her interactions with Evan Weaver and Jason Krasley, who worked together on the Allentown Police Department’s Vice and Intelligence Unit from 2011 to 2015.

Unless Francis Anonia and Lehigh County prosecutors can reach a plea deal in the coming weeks, Anonia's trial for allegedly recording an underage student without his consent will begin in September.

Alberto Jose Rios-Santiago, 26, of Deltona, Florida, had a preliminary hearing Friday before District Judge Rashid Santiago.

The two-day training and enforcement program hosted by Troop M Bethlehem combined classroom instruction workshops on DUI case law and roving DUI patrols.

Wilson borough solicitor and private attorney Stanley Margle III waived a preliminary hearing on drug possession charges Thursday, April 24.

Costas Alestas, 44, of Palmer Township, entered the plea before Northampton County Judge Samuel P. Murray. He admitted guilt to charges of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and invasion of privacy, according to the Northampton County District Attorney's Office.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport fired Chief Executive Officer Ju'Riese Colón, Tuesday. The move comes after the company faced scrutiny for employing former Allentown Vice Unit officer Jason Krasely, who has been charged with rape, theft, sex trafficking and other crimes.

A Northampton County judge on Wednesday sentenced former Hellertown police chief Robert Shupp to up to 23 months in prison, plus fines and restitution, for stealing from the borough.

LaTarsha Brown reported finding a noose Jan. 10 on her desk in the city’s Department of Community and Economic Development. She's charged with making false reports and tampering with or fabricating evidence.

Elijah Patterson, 19, of Allentown, was found guilty by a Lehigh County jury after a three-day trial, District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan said.

Former Allentown police officer Jason Krasley worked as an investigator for SafeSport after he left the Allentown Police Department. One woman's story shows the ripple effect his recent arrest on unrelated rape and theft charges can have on the people whose cases he handled while with SafeSport.

Joshua Nathaniel Colon was sentenced after pleading guilty in December to charges of aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person. In a Jan. 2024 press conference, Colon previously faced several other charges, but the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office announced a plea agreement was reached in this case.

Easton City Councilman Frank Pintabone introduced a new ordinance at the board's Wednesday meeting that would see marijuana possession and use reduced to summary offenses with fines.

Wilson Borough Council officially vacated the seat of Scott Palinkas at their Monday meeting, citing his numerous absences and public conduct as justifications for the decision.

Wilson borough solicitor Stan Margle III acknowledged drug charges levied against him at Monday's council meeting, with members of council expressing support as he faces drug possession charges.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has released further details of the arrest made at Northampton County Prison on Friday, again accusing Northampton County Prison of not cooperating. County Executive Lamont McClure challenges that.

Tracy Dechant, 42, the twins' mother, and Joshua Dechant, 36, their stepfather, were arrested Jan. 26, days after emaciated 15-year-old twin boys were found in their Lower Macungie Township home.

Federal agents were at Northampton County Prison on Friday morning to apprehend an inmate upon his release. The man was alleged to be in the country illegally. The level of cooperation between ICE agents and the county has come under attack by U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie.

Wilson Borough solicitor and attorney Stanley Margle III has been charged with possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Three Bethlehem residents face hundreds of charges related to a scheme that involves over 130 victims in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas. If you believe you’ve been a victim of such a scheme, Bethlehem police ask you to call 610-997-7682.

Cedar Crest College will use a $608,000 grant from the U.S. Justice Department for creation of an Expert Witness Training Center and Crime Scene Lab.