EASTON, Pa. — In her first public meeting since her arrest, Taiba Sultana chose to remain silent on any matters related to charges of simple assault and harassment in a domestic violence case.
Easton City Council’s Wednesday meeting only lasted about seven minutes, which went by unceremoniously as members quickly addressed a few resolutions without any comment concerning the allegations against Sultana.
- Taiba Sultana made her first council appearance since her arrest for charges of simple assault and harassment
- Sultana offered no comment on the allegations
- Council quickly approved five resolutions during the meeting, ending it within about seven minutes
When approached on the matter, Sultana declined comment.
According to an arrest affidavit, Easton police officers were dispatched to Sultana’s Vista Drive home at approximately 2:52 p.m. on July 31.
Sultana’s son told police his mother slapped, punched and head-butted him in the face multiple times causing injuries, according to the affidavit. He also allegedly told police Sultana punched him in the stomach.
The 39-year-old councilwoman was arrested at the scene and taken to central booking for processing.
She was released on unsecured bail after her arraignment and a brief period in Northampton County Prison.
She faces one second-degree misdemeanor charge of simple assault, and a summary charge of harassment – subject other to physical contact.
A preliminary hearing before District Judge DanCorpora is set for Monday, Aug. 14.
Council quickly approves resolutions
During Wednesday night's meeting, council passed five resolutions, including three under the consent agenda and another two under new business.
Consent agenda resolutions were linked to authorizing filing for a Northampton County Department of Community and Economic Development’s Public Safety Grant for fire departments in the amount of $20,000, in addition to motions approving a five-year lease with Pitney Bowes and accepting a certified list of entry-level firefighters.
The fire department grant, which the city will match with a $13,561 commitment in funding, will go toward the purchase of rescue tools for the Easton Fire Department.
Under new business, the council approved an agreement with Omnes Design Studio to create design plans for renovations of Centre Square’s southeast quadrant, and an agreement with PennDOT for the acceptance of Transportation Alternative Set Aside funds.
The agreement with Omnes allots $12,070 for the design firm to create a plan for the southeast quadrant of Centre Square and Lehn's Court.
