Criminal Justice

Last year, Northampton County prosecutors argued that Phillipsburg resident Tahir Sutton was released from prison by mistake and should be locked up again. On Wednesday, a county judge ruled that Sutton must report to prison in early April unless an appeals court intercedes.

According to a release issued by ICE, Luis Gualdron-Gualdron, “a citizen and national of Venezuela who previously entered the United States without inspection,” was arrested on Jan. 31 without incident near the prison shortly after an immigration detainer was not honored.

Neighbors say a state police pursuit came to a dramatic conclusion at approximately 11:56 p.m., with one car on the street engulfed in flames.

David Isaiah Rivera, 26, was arraigned on charges alleging he fired at a group of people around 4 a.m. outside BKK Lounge, 1500 Union Boulevard, after a fight between two groups inside the club spilled into the parking lot.

A 32-year-old man died and three other people were wounded in a shooting in the parking lot of BKK Lounge, 1500 Union Blvd., early Sunday, according to Allentown police. It was the city's first homicide of 2025.

Jason Krasley, the former Allentown police officer already facing felony charges in two cases, was charged again Thursday, according to court documents. His total bail adds up to almost $1 million.

Brenda Rodriguez, 51, of Palmerton is charged with criminal solicitation/criminal homicide and conspiracy-aggravated assault in the shooting death of her husband, Hector Manuel Garcia Gomez, 46, of Palmerton on Dec. 7.

Joshua and Tracy Dechant were charged Sunday with two felony counts each, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan said in a release.

Easton Police Department welcomed two new officers, saw two promotions, and celebrated two retirements during the Jan. 22, 2025 council meeting.

Evan Weaver and Jason Krasley were in Lehigh County Court, where their lawyers argued Thursday against Lehigh County prosecutors' motion to revoke their bail.

Pediatricians say teen twin boys who were severely malnourished in their parents' care likely would have died in weeks or months if not for medical attention. District Judge Michael J. Faulkner determined that there was enough evidence to send the case to Lehigh County Court.

After nearly two months of investigation, authorities have declared a fire which struck the former Dixie Cup factory was arson.

A resident told police he saw a man fire a gun around 10 a.m. Monday in the 200 block of Spruce Street, where Harrison-Morton Middle School serves hundreds of students.

Johansy Suarez-Rivas died from fentanyl toxicity April 5, 2024, hours after his parents used heroin, authorities said.

All 135 residents of the building have been relocated to temporary housing at hotels arranged by the 510 Flats apartment management team, fire officials said.

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.