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Driver in fatal 2018 bus crash receives lengthy state prison sentence

Monday, March 8th 2021 - Charles Dwight Dixon told a Lackawanna County judge he will never forget Rebecca Blanco.

Her family members and friends would have wished the bus driver never had a reason to know her name.

Dixon was sentenced Monday by Judge Michael J. Barrasse to nine years, nine months, to 20½ years in state prison for the 2018 commercial bus crash on Interstate 380 in Covington Twp. that killed Blanco, 33, and injured several other passengers…

Lackawanna DA's office distributes PPE to law enforcement agencies

Monday, March 8th 2021 -The Lackawanna County District Attorney's Office distributed another large supply of personal protective equipment to help keep those on the frontlines safe during the pandemic.

The equipment was purchased using funds from a grant close to $60,000.

Each police department in Lackawanna County received a COVID care package containing a cordless sanitizer gun, two gallons of medical grade disinfectant refills, sanitizer wipes, gloves among other pandemic essentials…

Scranton woman arraigned on homicide charge

Friday, March 5th 2021 - A 40-year-old woman accused of fatally stabbing her fiance wounded herself to bolster a claim she acted in self-defense, Scranton police charged Friday.

Eileen Julie Dougherty, of 922 Delaware St., remained silent during a homicide arraignment before Magisterial District Judge Paul J. Ware, held via videoconference. She was jailed at the Lackawanna County Prison since her arrest Wednesday in the stabbing death of George Shencavitz, 31.

During the arraignment, Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell said Dougherty is “a danger to society, she is a danger to herself.” She remains jailed without bail…

Scranton man sentenced to state prison for abusing child

Thursday, March 4th 2021 -A Scranton man who told police that a toddler in his care was injured when she fell from a bed will spend time in prison for assaulting the child.

Daniel Villa, 21, was sentenced Wednesday by Lackawanna County Judge Vito Geroulo to three to eight years in state prison.

Villa pleaded guilty Dec. 4 to a charge of aggravated assault of a victim less than 13 for abusing a 2-year-old girl in Olyphant in 2019, leaving her with a fractured skull and other serious injuries.

“As a father of four, I just can’t imagine how anyone could hurt a child,” District Attorney Mark Powell said in an email. “I sincerely hope the sentencing in this case sends a clear message to those who harm children.”

Scranton man arrested on firearm, drug charges

Friday, February 26th 2021 - Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell announced Friday that 24-year-old Jason C. Lajoie also known as “Critter” of Scranton was arrested on charges related to a large collection of illegal weapons, ammo, drugs and drug paraphernalia on Thursday evening.

Investigators say that based on tattoos Lajoie has and also his comments to detectives, they believe he may have a connection to the Pagan motorcycle gang. The arrest comes after investigators say they completed a controlled buy of methamphetamine from Lajoie earlier in February….

Lackawanna DA’s Office secures grant for body cams

Tuesday, February 22nd 2021 - The Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to implement a body-worn camera program for Lackawanna County Detectives by the end of 2021.

Lackawanna County officials release information about drug seizures

Friday, February 19th 2021 -Four suspected mid-level drug dealers have been arrested by Lackawanna County Detectives, working with other law enforcement agencies, Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell announced Friday.

Two separate investigations resulted in the seizure of heroin, methamphetamine, GHB (known as the “date rape drug”), marijuana, various paraphernalia and cash.

Powell says that the busts are significant in taking large quantities of drugs off the streets…

More than two dozen illegal guns off street after gun traffic ring busted

Wednesday, January 27th 2021 - Three people from Lackwanna County have been arrested in connection with a gun trafficking ring.

This is all a part of a statewide effort to curb the sale of illegal guns in the area. More than two dozen illegal guns have been taken off the streets during this year-long investigation….

Pair who participated in informant's death sentenced to state prison

Monday, January 4th 2021 - A man and woman who plotted the murder of a police informant nearly two years ago learned Monday they will each spend between 15 and 40 years in a state prison.

Melinda Palermo, 40, was silent as Lackawanna County Judge James Gibbons imposed her sentence in the first of two hearings Monday for the killing of 24-year-old Nina Gatto. Her family, dismayed at the length of time she’ll be incarcerated, openly wept.

Later in the afternoon, Kevin Weeks, 27, told Gibbons he has no excuse for his actions.

“I ultimately did it to myself,” Weeks said.

Police charged that the pair tried to kill Gatto in April 2018 by giving her heroin laced with fentanyl and battery acid.

Investigators alleged they targeted Gatto, who was a confidential drug informant working for the Lackawanna County district attorney’s office, to prevent her from testifying that Palermo’s boyfriend, Cornelius Mapson, sold Gatto heroin during a sting operation two months prior…

Carbondale man convicted of rape of a child

Wednesday, December 9th 2020 - A Carbondale man faces up to life in prison after a jury found him guilty Wednesday on seven counts related to the rape of a 4-year-old child.

After less than an hour of deliberation, a jury convicted Raymond E. Taylor, 46, 39 Laurel St., Carbondale, of rape of a child less than 13, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, corruption of minors, endangering the welfare of children, and unlawful contact with a minor, Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell said…

Lake Ariel woman pleads guilty in Blakely overdose death

Monday, December 7th 2020 - A Lake Ariel woman pleaded guilty Monday to selling a man a deadly dose of heroin late last year.

Jennifer Wanamaker, 41, 1063 Rolling Hills Drive, faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Lackawanna County President Judge Michael J. Barrasse accepted her plea to a count of conspiracy to commit drug delivery resulting in death, via Microsoft Teams, a videoconferencing service….

N.Y. bus driver pleads guilty to homicide by vehicle while DUI for fatal crash in Covington Twp.

Monday, December 7th 2020 - Bus driver Charles Dixon, 52, of the Bronx, N.Y., pled guilty to homicide by vehicle and admitted he was under the influence of cocaine when he crossed the median and drove a passenger bus into a grove of trees off Interstate 380 in Covington Twp. on Oct. 14, 2018, killing Rebecca Blanco of California...

Carbondale 'Batman' who crashed on McDade Expressway pleads guilty to DUI

Monday, December 7th 2020 - A Carbondale man who state police said was high on methamphetamine when he crashed into another vehicle on the McDade Expressway in January pleaded guilty Monday in Lackawanna County Court.

Gerald Corrigan, 35, 148 Fairview St., pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, a felony that carries a maximum of 10 years in prison. The plea happened over videoconferencing software and was accepted by President Judge Michael J. Barrasse…

Dickson City man pleads guilty to drug delivery resulting in death

Monday, December 7th 2020 - A Dickson City man pleaded guilty Monday to supplying a woman with the drugs that killed her in 2018. Nicholas Martin Bufano, 33, 608 Hallstead St., entered a guilty plea to a count of drug delivery resulting in death, Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell said.…

Judge finds enough evidence to send West Scranton homicide case to trial

Friday, December 4th 2020 - Almost three months after a 37-year-old mother of three was found slain in West Scranton, a judge ruled prosecutors have enough evidence to warrant a trial for the man arrested in her killing. Thomas R. Evans, 36, will proceed to trial on counts of criminal homicide, tampering with evidence and firearms charges, Magisterial District Judge George Seig decided Friday, after a roughly four-hour preliminary hearing. “This was a brutal killing,” Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell told the judge...

Former Arc employees sentenced after abusing mentally ill individual

Tuesday, November 17th 2020  - Two women who pleaded guilty to abusing a person with disabilities in their care and repeatedly recording it, are going to jail.

It happened while they worked at the Arc of NEPA. Both since resigned. Lisa Wall and Eileen Dougherty were made an example Tuesday….

Scranton police seize dozens of firearms in two-month-long operation

Tuesday, September 22nd 2020  - As a result of a superb investigation by the Scranton Police Department's Street Crimes Unit, Pennsylvania State Police, DA's Office and other agencies, 25 dangerous weapons intended for use in criminal activity by gang members have been taken off our streets, and 26 defendants are facing serious charges…

'Jealousy and rage:' West Scranton man charged with criminal homicide for shooting his wife

Saturday, September 19th 2020 - District Attorney Mark Powell walks away from the podium after announcing his office filed homicide charges against Thomas R. Evans, 36, of West Scranton, for the killing of his wife, Tara Evans, 37, who was found dead Monday evening in the couple's North Sumner Avenue home…

Olyphant man charged after police find 1½ pounds of crack

Friday, August 28th 2020 - Thanks to phenomenal police work by county detectives and Pennsylvania State Police, a major street-level dealer is behind bars. This case also demonstrates the value and need for confidential informants to take down dealers and stem the flow of dangerous illegal drugs in Lackawanna County...

Addicted in PA | A look back at how the series progressed

Tuesday, August 18th 2020 - When we started Addicted in PA almost six months ago, our goal was to bring awareness to the opioid epidemic in the area. Little did we know we were headed for a pandemic of untold proportions. All the while, Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell helped provide insight about addiction. Mark shared with us how covid impacted people in recovery.

Lackawanna County Court preps for resumption of trials

Wednesday, August 12th 2020 - District Attorney Mark Powell took part Wednesday in a mock jury selection exercise at the Scranton Cultural Center as Lackawanna County Court prepares to resume jury trials using social distancing protocols. In the photo, DA Powell waits backstage with President Judge Michael Barrasse, Judge Margaret Bisignani Moyle and Judge Terrence Nealon…

Addicted in PA |Children’s Advocacy Center Helping Victims

Monday, July 27th 2020 - Informing people about the dangers of drug use cannot start early enough. Teaching children-especially those at risk-is especially important. When a child is a victim of abuse or neglect, one of the places they can find help is the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeast PA, it’s model is to provide professional services all in one place for a child to be examined, interviewed and given follow through therapy…

Retired Secret Service Agent hired as new chief detective in Lackawanna County DA's office

Saturday, July 25th 2020 - A military veteran who spent 16 years in the U.S. Secret Service will take over as the new chief detective in the Lackawanna County district attorney’s office, the prosecutor’s office announced Thursday.

David M. Baker, 48, follows longtime Chief County Detective Joseph “Jigger” Jordan, who spent 30 years in the district attorney’s office and more than a decade of it as the chief detective. Jordan retired a week ago.

“Dave will help further my goal of professionalizing the DA’s Office and bring a wealth of knowledge to the job,” District Attorney Mark Powell said in a statement. “I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to Jigger Jordan for his exemplary service to Lackawanna County, and wish him well in his retirement.”

A native of Scranton, Baker spent nearly two decades in the Secret Service’s Scranton and Philadelphia offices protecting presidents and dignitaries while investigating counterfeiting, fraud and financial crimes.

Baker has also served in the Navy since 2001, holds the rank of lieutenant commander reserve intelligence officer and has served overseas.Baker started Wednesday. The job pays $71,075.

“I look forward to being back home, serving the citizens of Lackawanna County and keeping our community safe,” Baker said.

Baker conducted more than 150 protective assignments and was the lead agent on more than 100 federal criminal investigations. He retired in June 2019 and serves as an instructor at the Lackawanna College Police Academy, Powell said.

Powell said Baker was his pick amid four candidates because he had an “impeccable resume” and glowing recommendations.

Powell declined to identify the other candidates by name, but said they included detectives in the office and another outside applicant. He did not advertise.

“I have a long list of candidates who have expressed interest over the last three years, many with diverse backgrounds,” Powell said. “I am confident that I made the right choice.”

Addicted in PA | Lackawanna Co. Treatment Court receives $2million grant

Monday, June 29th 2020 -For people in recovery, the possibility of relapse is often a daily struggle. For defendants accepted into the Lackawanna County Treatment Court, more help is on the way. Earlier this month, the Lackawanna County Treatment Court received a nearly $2 million dollar federal grant for some new programs.…

Addicted in PA - Supply vs. Demand

Monday, June 15th 2020 - FOX56 reported on a guilty verdict handed down for first degree murder in Scranton. During a segement of Addicted in PA, FOX56’s Jane Adonizio explained that this case also sends a message to drug dealers who fuel the opioid epidemic in northeast Pennsylvania….

Mapson guilty of first-degree murder for killing informant

Wednesday, June 10th 2020 - A drug dealer who faced decades in prison for selling heroin to a confidential informant will instead spend his life behind bars after being convicted Tuesday of killing the woman.

Cornelius Mapson, 34, of Jenkins Twp. showed no reaction as Lackawanna County Judge James Gibbons found him guilty of first-degree and third-degree murder and two conspiracy counts for the April 20, 2018, death of Nina Gatto.

Gibbons’ verdict was based on evidence at a four-day, nonjury trial that concluded Friday. Gibbons also found Mapson guilty of several charges related to the underlying drug case, including possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

The first-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory life sentence without parole. The third-degree murder conviction is considered a lesser included offense and will not add any additional prison time, District Attorney Mark Powell said Following the hearing. The drug charges carry a maximum penalty of 105 years, Powell said. Gibbons did not set a sentencing date.

Mapson was charged with killing Gatto, 24, inside her Scranton apartment to prevent her from testifying that he sold her heroin during a police sting operation in February 2018 orchestrated by Lackawanna County detectives. Police said Mapson, his girlfriend, Melinda Palermo, and a friend, Kevin Weeks, initially tried to kill Gatto by other means over several days, including providing her heroin laced with battery acid and fentanyl. When those efforts failed Mapson suffocated Gatto by putting his hand over her nose and mouth.

“Today, a killer has been brought to justice,” Powell said outside Lackawanna County Courthouse. “We hope this verdict brings some closure to Nina Gatto’s family and friends.”

Powell credited Scranton detectives, who arrested the defendants within one week of Gatto’s death. He initially sought the death penalty for Mapson, but withdrew the request after Mapson agreed to waive his right to a jury trial.

Powell said he made the deal to move the case forward. The courts have been closed since March because of the coronavirus lockdown, which meant it would have been difficult to empanel a jury.

“It was a practical resolution to bring closure to the case,” Powell said.

The trial focused on the testimony of Palermo and Weeks, who reached plea deals with prosecutors in March, and testified against Mapson. Palermo, 40, of Jenkins Twp., pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and Weeks, 27, of Scranton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit third-degree murder. They are awaiting sentencing.

Mapson maintained his innocence at trial and pinned the death on Palermo.

Bernard Brown, Mapson’s attorney, said he knew he faced a tough case. He said he is relieved he was able to get the death penalty dropped.

“One of the reasons we took the bench trial is it saved Mr. Mapson’s life,” Brown said.

The verdict ends the criminal case pending any appeals. The district attorney’s office may land back in court as a defendant in a civil lawsuit expected to be filed by Gatto’s mother, Katie Gatto. Her attorney, Robert Levant, put the office on notice she intends to sue Lackawanna County detectives because they used her daughter as an informant, even though she had been deemed mentally incompetent.

Katie Gatto was not in court for the verdict. Attempts to reach her for comment were unsuccessful.

Testimony at bench trial: Homicide defendant told friend of overdose plan

Friday, June 5th 2020 - A woman charged with helping to kill a confidential informant told a friend about the plan to inject the woman with a fatal dose of fentanyl-laced heroin to prevent her from testifying against her boyfriend.

Kelly Reed of Scranton testified Thursday that Melinda Palermo told her the woman had to go sometime after Palermo learned that homicide victim Nina Gatto had set up Cornelius Mapson for arrest.

“I was concerned … but at the same time, knowing her as long as I did, I thought it was talk going on,” Reed said of Palermo.

Reed was one of several witnesses prosecutors called in an attempt to corroborate evidence against Mapson, who is on trial in Lackawanna County Court for Gatto’s April 20, 2018, death.

Prosecutors are seeking a first-degree murder conviction against Mapson in the nonjury trial before Judge James Gibbons. They contend Mapson, 34, of Jenkins Twp., aided by Palermo and Kevin Weeks, suffocated Gatto to death inside her Scranton apartment after plans to have her overdose failed.

Reed also testified about traveling to several stores with Palermo, 40, of Jenkins Twp., in the days before Gatto’s death to obtain battery acid and syringes. Palermo testified Monday she, Mapson and Weeks, 27, of Scranton, also tried to kill Gatto by giving her heroin laced with the battery acid, but the plan failed because Gatto was unable to draw the mixture into the syringe.

Palermo, who previously pleaded guilty to third-degree murder, and Weeks, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit third-degree murder, each testified against Mapson earlier in the week.

Mapson maintains his innocence. His attorneys, Bernard Brown and Christopher Szewczyk, said Mapson contends Palermo killed

Gatto.

Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell said he expects to conclude the case today. The defense will then have an opportunity to present its case. Brown declined to say whether Mapson will testify.

Detectives handling of informant key issue in Mapson trial

Wednesday, June 3rd 2020 - A confidential informant who police say was murdered by a drug dealer told a detective she was deemed mentally incompetent six days before she made the drug buy that later led to her death.

Testifying Wednesday at Cornelius Mapson’s homicide trial, Lackawanna County Detective Harold Zech said Nina Gatto revealed her mental health problems to him in a Feb. 14, 2018, text message. He still utilized her to buy heroin from Mapson because she was lucid and fully understood the risk when she agreed to be an informant a month earlier, he said.

“Based on the totality of all the dealings I had with her ... and physical observations, she was competent,” Zech testified at Mapson’s non-jury trial before Lackawanna County Judge James Gibbons.

Zech’s handling of Gatto, 24, is a key issue in Mapson’s trial for her April 20, 2018, death, as well as a civil lawsuit Gatto’s mother, Katie Gatto, intends to file against Zech, the district attorney’s office and others.

Robert Levant, attorney for Katie Gatto, notified the district attorney’s office earlier this year of the pending suit, which was not filed as of Wednesday.

Prosecutors sought to preclude the defense from mentioning the suit at Mapson’s criminal trial, arguing it was irrelevant.

“They are just trying to muddy the waters,” said Deputy District Attorney Gene Riccardo, who is prosecuting the case with District Attorney Mark Powell and Assistant District Attorney Bo Loughney.

Mapson’s attorneys, Bernard Brown and Christopher Szewczyk, argued the lawsuit is crucial to the defense because it raises questions about detectives’ credibility and shows authorities have a vested interest in pinning the murder on Mapson, who maintains his innocence.

Gibbons allowed the defense to ask limited questions regarding the lawsuit and Gatto’s time as an informant.

Questioned by Szewczyk, Zech defended his handling of Gatto. He said she first agreed to become an informant in January 2018 after she was arrested for selling heroin. She received a reduced sentence after she set up another drug dealer, Wayne Douglas, for arrest.

Zech said Gatto had no further obligation as an informant at that point. About a month later, she contacted detectives and offered to set up other dealers in exchange for money. She worked with another detective and made a controlled buy of heroin from Mapson on Feb. 20, 2018, for which she was paid $100.

Prosecutors say Mapson, 34, of Jenkins Twp., killed Gatto to prevent her from testifying against him in that case. With the help of his girlfriend, Melinda Palermo, and a friend, Kevin Weeks, Mapson first tried to cause Gatto to fatally overdose on heroin. When that failed, he suffocated her inside her Scranton apartment.

Palermo, 40, of Jenkins Twp., previously pleaded guilty to third-degree murder while Weeks, 27, of Scranton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit third-degree murder. Both testified against Mapson.

Prosecutors are seeking a first-degree murder conviction against Mapson. He also is on trial for charges related to the underlying drug case. Powell said he expects to wrap up the prosecution’s case today or Friday.

Homicide trial begins in confidential informant's death

Tuesday, June 2nd 2020 - A Jenkins Twp. man charged with killing a confidential informant contends his girlfriend was the actual killer, the man’s attorney said in his opening statement Monday.

Bernard Brown, attorney for Cornelius Mapson, said there’s no physical evidence connecting Mapson to the murder of Nina Gatto. Evidence will show his girlfriend, Melinda Palermo, took matters into her own hands to prevent Gatto from testifying against Mapson in a drug case.

Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell said Palermo, 40, of Jenkins Twp. admits she and a third defendant, Kevin Weeks, 27, of Scranton, helped Mapson plan and execute the crime. It was Mapson, however, who suffocated Gatto, 24, to death inside her Scranton apartment April 20, 2018.

Prosecutors are seeking a first-degree murder conviction for Mapson, 34, who also is on trial for underlying drug charges. He initially faced a possible death sentence if convicted of first-degree murder. Powell withdrew the request for the death penalty after Mapson agreed to waive his right to a jury trial.

The bench trial before Judge James Gibbons is being held at the county courthouse, which remains closed to most other business due to the coronavirus pandemic. All witnesses, attorneys and spectators are required to wear face masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

In his opening, Powell said Mapson masterminded the plan to kill Gatto in desperation after several attempts to cause her to fatally overdose failed. Gatto was days away from testifying that she had purchased drugs from Mapson two months earlier.

“The fuse on the bomb continued to burn. ... Mapson’s world was going to implode,” Powell said.

Brown noted police found no DNA evidence tying Mapson to the crime. He said the prosecution’s case relies almost entirely on the word of Weeks and Palermo, who agreed to testify against Mapson in exchange for lesser charges. Palermo pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and Weeks to conspiracy to commit third-degree murder.

Brown said evidence points more to Palermo, who admitted she also wanted Gatto dead because she feared Mapson, who was the primary earner who supported her and her two children, would go to jail.

“When you look at the evidence ... I’m confident you will see there is not just reasonable doubt, but serious doubt that Cornelius Mapson murdered Nina Gatto,” Brown said.

Testifying for about an hour, Palermo denied she killed Gatto. She said she and Weeks went to Gatto’s apartment and gave her heroin mixed with fentanyl, believing it would cause her to fatally overdose. That failed because Gatto had an extremely high tolerance. She then let Mapson in through a back door. He grabbed Gatto from behind and suffocated her.

Questioned by Brown, Palermo acknowledged she got into an argument with Weeks after the murder because she was angry he stole Gatto’s cellphone from the scene — an act Powell noted ultimately led to their arrests. She admitted she told him she thought police were targeting her.

“I had an argument with Kevin and told him everything points to me,” she said.

The trial is expected to last about five days. The courthouse is closed today for Election Day. Testimony will resume Wednesday.

Police Face Even More Peril During Pandemic

Sunday, May 17th 2020 - Every day when police officers suit up for duty, they have no idea what they may encounter, whether they will be injured or killed, or whether they will ever see their loved ones again.

Their families live with the constant worry that they might not come home. Serving as a police officer requires an uncommon sense of duty and courage.

Now, in the age of COVID-19, law enforcement officers face even more danger and uncertainty as an unseen assailant — the novel coronavirus — lurks in the background of every call, every traffic stop and every encounter with the public. Since the pandemic began, dozens of officers across the country have died from COVID-19. As we observe National Police Week, we recognize our brave men and women in blue who report for duty day in and day out to keep our communities safe. We remember the fallen and honor those who serve.

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the calendar week that concluded on Saturday as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

Serving as Lackawanna County’s chief law enforcement officer has given me a front-row seat to the incredible efforts of our county detectives, municipal police officers and state troopers — the selfless courage, compassion for victims, nonstop work ethic and great police work that makes it possible for prosecutors to put criminals behind bars. While I often stand in the limelight outside the courthouse, the true unsung heroes of our criminal justice system are the men and women behind the badge.

That’s why, when we learned of a shortage of personal protective equipment for our frontline officers a few weeks ago, the district attorney’s office pulled out all the stops to get the supplies they needed. First Assistant District Attorney Judy Price sourced masks, gloves, protective suits and other gear to keep police officers and detectives safe during the pandemic. To date, our office has purchased and distributed 4,000 N95 respirator masks, 500 K95 masks, 4,000 pairs of heavy rubber gloves, 500 MicroMax coveralls, 30 specialized tactical respirator masks for SWAT teams and gallons of hand sanitizer. We have also secured more personal protective equipment using a $58,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice so we can continue to replenish and distribute these supplies.

Thanks to the tireless and courageous efforts of our police officers, citizens of Lackawanna County can rest assured that law and order is being maintained during the pandemic. Just last week, for example, county detectives and the Scranton Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit, as part of an ongoing investigation into gang-related activity, arrested a man who allegedly trafficked in illegal firearms, supplying deadly semiautomatic weapons to convicted felons who can’t buy them legally. One weapon found in his residence was reportedly used in a recent shooting in the city.

Across Lackawanna County, law enforcement is works to keep our communities safe. Our frontline officers also continue responding every day to domestic incidents, which have increased during the pandemic. Not surprisingly, the trend parallels a significant increase in the use of alcohol and drugs. The isolation and stay-at-home orders resulting from the COVID-19 crisis, coupled with increased substance abuse, has created a toxic environment for domestic violence.

If you need to report an emergency or you are the victim of a crime, please do not hesitate to call 911. Police will respond. On the other hand, if your neighbor’s dog is barking or he’s running his lawn mower after 8 p.m., please exercise some patience and tolerance. Those kinds of calls take police away from higher law enforcement priorities and potentially expose them and their families to infection. Please respect their dedication and sacrifice during this difficult time.

To all the police officers who put their lives on the line day in and day out, especially during the COVID- 19 crisis, we salute your bravery, dedication and commitment to keeping our communities safe. Thank you for your service and please stay safe.

Lackawanna Co. DA secures grant to keep police protected during COVID-19

Monday, April 20th 2020 - The Lackawanna Co. D.A.'s Office has released the following regarding a new grant secured to keep law enforcement protected during this unwarranted times: The Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office has secured approval from the U.S. Department of Justice for a $58,000 grant to keep a steady supply of personal protective equipment to municipal police officers and county detectives during the COVID-19 pandemic. On Friday, the DA’s Office distributed thousands of respirator masks, gloves, protective suits and hand sanitizer to the detectives and officers from 26 municipal police departments in Lackawanna County…Judge finds enough evidence to send West Scranton homicide case to trial