Criminal Justice

Rajgion Davis of Whitehall, was ordered by District Judge Jacob E. Hammond at a preliminary hearing Wednesday to face homicide and two counts each of attempted murder and aggravated assault, all first-degree felonies.

Allentown’s Cleveland School is set to be knocked down and fenced off after its new owner called it a “hot spot" and "magnet for crime." Community Action Lehigh Valley is planning to build a $20 million youth center but wants to secure the property until construction can start.

A joint enforcement detail over the weekend specifically targeted an unsanctioned car meet, a state police public information officer confirmed.

The Northampton County Department of Corrections hosted a bias training course for new hires taught by a Bethlehem-based organization that consults on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Those riding illegal dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles upon city roadways, sidewalks or bike lanes will now face first-time fines of up to $200 and potential forfeiture of their machines.

The Northampton County Office of the District Attorney said an email scam has been taking place in the county, known as "sextortion." The cyber scam is part of an active investigation between local law enforcement and the District Attorney's Office.

“We follow where the evidence leads and we do what we think is necessary to reach the correct conclusion," the Lehigh County District Attorney said of fatal crash investigations.

Kian Deater, 21, was sentenced by Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony to serve 17 ½ to 39 years in state prison on felony charges of aggravated assault with attempt to cause serious bodily injury.

Former Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp was formally arraigned in a Northampton County court Thursday on charges of stealing from the borough, inching the case towards a trial.

Debra Biro, Melanie Heilman, Steve Lynch and Richard Morea face charges of harassment following a raucous Northampton County Republican Committee meeting involving pornographic images.

State law gives Northampton County Republicans a little over a week to find a candidate willing to take on Democrat Stephen Baratta in a high-profile race for district attorney.

On Sunday, the Allentown Police Department premiered a new color scheme for its vehicles, featuring a black-and-white aesthetic that leaders say is meant to convey recognition and authority.

Easton City Councilwoman Taiba Sultana made her first appearance since her arrest for accusations of simple assault and harassment in a domestic violence case.

A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was justified when he shot at a 47-year-old Allentown man who allegedly drove at the trooper, according to Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin.

Residents near the area had been asked to shelter in place.

Robert Bowen Jr. is being held at Northampton County Prison in lieu of $500,000 bail. Police said they found him in possession of explosives and a homemade gun after he said he intended to detonate a bomb at Musikfest.

Armed with a search warrant, Bethlehem police say they detained a man Friday who allegedly made statements of his intent to build and detonate an improvised explosive during Musikfest.

Bill Bachenberg is accused in a $10 million lawsuit of hiring a cybersecurity company to analyze voting machines in Fulton County for voting irregularities but than stiffing it when it found no evidence of voter fraud.

Jonathan A. Richards, 41, of Shillington, had a blood-alcohol level of 0.24% at the time of the crash — three times the legal limit, authorities said.

Political observers in the Lehigh Valley said the new criminal charges against former President Donald Trump won't be enough to shake up the 2024 presidential race. Despite two impeachments and multiple federal charges, the 45th president still dominates the Republican Party.

Thong Pham hit his head in September 2019 after he was punched at an Allentown bar, authorities said. He never regained consciousness and died in 2021.

The Allentown Police Department can now enter a formal contract to work with Pinebrook Family Answers' “community intervention specialists.”