Criminal Justice

Rasheed Quayle Tisdale faced a preliminary hearing Thursday on one count each of homicide and conspiracy to commit homicide in the death of Legious Minder, 46.

David Isaiah Rivera, 26, and Pedro Junior Paulino, 35, both of Allentown, face charges of homicide, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment, according to court records.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport knew a former police officer was the subject of an internal investigation at his former job but hired him anyway, according to details released this week by Sen. Chuck Grassley, who is looking into the matter.

Jason Moorehead was awarded $131,500 for damages after he brought a lawsuit against the school district and its officials for violating his First Amendment rights.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a national initiative occurring annually to encourage safe driving. It will take on added significance in Pennsylvania this year.

Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, introduced two weapon-detecting K-9s on Monday at its Cedar Crest campus. The 18-month-old male Labrador retriever and female Springer Spaniel will visit all LVHN properties in an effort to increase safety.

Jason Krasley, 48, was released Thursday on unsecured $100,000 bail in each case, which means he did not have to post any money, court records show.

Johansy Suarez-Rivas was pronounced dead at a St. Luke's Hospital in 2021 from fentanyl toxicity. Both parents have now plead guilty to charges associated with the case, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan announced Thursday.

Impaired driving is among the most persistent threats to road safety in the Lehigh Valley, according to two of the region's chief prosecutors. Lehigh County recorded about 1,750 impaired-driving cases in 2024, up almost 42% over the past five years.

Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott said the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, allocated based on BPD data recorded in the FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System, would allow her department to expand surveillance and protect everyone using city roadways.

New South Whitehall Township Chief of Police Frank J.C. Lombardo, a former captain with the South Brunswick, New Jersey, Township Police Department, possesses decades of experience in law enforcement.

Elijah Patterson, 19, of Allentown, was found guilty by a Lehigh County jury after a three-day trial, District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan said.

Former Allentown police officer Jason Krasley worked as an investigator for SafeSport after he left the Allentown Police Department. One woman's story shows the ripple effect his recent arrest on unrelated rape and theft charges can have on the people whose cases he handled while with SafeSport.

Joshua Nathaniel Colon was sentenced after pleading guilty in December to charges of aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person. In a Jan. 2024 press conference, Colon previously faced several other charges, but the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office announced a plea agreement was reached in this case.

Easton City Councilman Frank Pintabone introduced a new ordinance at the board's Wednesday meeting that would see marijuana possession and use reduced to summary offenses with fines.

Wilson Borough Council officially vacated the seat of Scott Palinkas at their Monday meeting, citing his numerous absences and public conduct as justifications for the decision.

Wilson borough solicitor Stan Margle III acknowledged drug charges levied against him at Monday's council meeting, with members of council expressing support as he faces drug possession charges.

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.