Criminal Justice

Currently authorized to employ 154 officers, the city department has 138 on the roster, but only 127 can report for work for various reasons, Chief Michelle Kott told City Council during a Nov. 20 budget hearing.

“These scammers have well-rehearsed scripts and are readily prepared to convincingly answer any question posed to them," Lehigh County Sheriff Joe Hanna said.

Lehigh County Commissioner Zachary Cole-Borghi is among dozens of people charged by the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office in a large-scale drug investigation announced in August.

Cristian Jimenez, 27, of Allentown, hit a fire hydrant and utility pole before crashing into the Lehigh Valley Logistics building on South Twelfth Street early Sunday morning, police said.

The pickup truck lost control near 12th and Vultee streets in Allentown and hit a fire hydrant, utility pole and the Lehigh Valley Logistics building at 1801 S. 12th St., according to state police.

Alfeni Romero-Tavares, 23, and Joel Garcia-Paulino, who turns 23 on Thursday, Dec. 4, both of Allentown, had preliminary hearings on felony counts of homicide and conspiracy to commit homicide and a misdemeanor charge of tampering with evidence.

Allentown must turn over records from former FBI agent Scott Curtis' probe of racism allegations within city government, but a second investigation can remain under wraps, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.

Former Parkland High School performing arts administrator Francis Anonia pleaded guilty Monday to 19 criminal counts for secretly recording a student changing clothes during rehearsals for a school musical.

Easton Police Department says no charges will be filed against an Easton resident regarding allegations of harassment directed at Councilwoman Taiba Sultana at the city's Christmas parade.

An attorney for a city employee suing Allentown subpoenaed officials to share the results of an investigation that lasted more than a year.

"Be aware, set your alarms," Lower Saucon Township Police Chief Thomas Barndt said at a township council meeting.

Lehigh County Courthouse is expected to reopen a week after fire sprinklers damaged the building's electrical system Tuesday night.

The social studies teacher at William Allen High School was accused of drug crimes following a March raid of her home by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office. She resigned a few weeks later, citing "personal" reasons.

The new position will appear on the ballot in 2025. The Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas had one of the higher caseloads for counties of its size.

Isiah Yeager, 24, was arrested in mid-June after a 29-year-old Bethlehem man was fatally stabbed at Synergy Hookah Lounge on Allentown’s East Side.

Authorities believe the same person or people are responsible for the break-ins due to the proximity and times of the calls. Police say there have been 16 reported thefts the past week and more unsuccessful attempts to enter locked vehicles.

A new study from the Lehigh Valley Justice Institute of the area's local courts found a link between time spent in jail awaiting trial and harsher prison sentences.

Authorities cleared the synagogue Thursday and determined the threat was unfounded after receiving an email indicating explosives would go off, a security official said.

Former Hellertown Borough Police Chief Robert Shupp appeared in court Monday, charged with 18 counts for to allegedly taking $122,000 in borough funds.

The crash happened about 1:15 a.m. Sunday in the 300 block of West Hamilton Street. Police say the driver of the vehicle wasn't hurt and their investigation is continuing.

The crash occurred around 1:15 a.m. Sunday in the 300 block of Hamilton Street in Allentown, according to police.

Mark Sivak, the city's former budget and finance director, was sentenced to a year of probation, restitution and required to cover investigation costs incurred by the city. Other charges were withdrawn under the plea deal.