Criminal Justice

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.

Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle L. Kott and Mayor J. William Reynolds released a joint statement Monday calling a proposed "welcoming ordinance" regarding federal immigration policies unnecessary in the city.

In a statement released through U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie's office, ICE says Northampton County has a policy of not fully cooperating with the agency, placing agents and the public at risk. County Executive Lamont McClure disagrees.

Alberto Jose Rios-Santiago, 26, was arrested Thursday in Florida and is awaiting extradition, authorities said.

Congressman Ryan Mackenzie has accused Northampton County of not cooperating with ICE, while County Executive Lamont McClure has argued the legislator does not grasp the complexity of the situation.

The Senate Judiciary Committee will take the 1st steps toward confirmation Monday.

Gerlach, a former mayoral candidate, left a 16-year-old runaway at a homeless encampment, authorities said.

A female suspect is the focus of the ongoing investigation, police said.

The council will sell Camp Trexler in Monroe County and its staff headquarters in the Allentown area.

Michelle Kott is the first woman to serve as Bethlehem's police chief.

The governor's office estimates there are 30 to 50 pregnancies per year in the state prison system.

The county put a freeze on its work-release program over a year ago, but that could be changing.

Advocates for immigrant rights argue detention is inhumane and unnecessary.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro sent lawmakers a letter with six proposals to fill vacancies.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. - COVID-19 cases appear to be dropping in Lehigh Valley jails, but the omicron surge continues to drive new lockdowns for inmates and…

Wolf said part of the solution is to improve job opportunities, increase community resources and fund schools.

Northampton County recently shut down its work-release program; Lehigh County ended its over a year ago.