04/29/2023
April 27, 2023
Office of the District Attorney
Cameron County, Pennsylvania
Over the course of the last three years, we have accomplished an overall 33% reduction in misdemeanor and felony court cases.
During this time period, we have also employed a sentencing philosophy that reflects our continued commitment to keeping costs as low as possible for the Cameron County taxpayer. County level sentences have been avoided to the greatest extent possible in favor of state-level incarceration. Some quick facts about the results of this approach:
• Twenty-five criminals have received State Prison sentences at no direct cost to our County, but at a cost shared equally among all citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Cameron County’s ‘Jail Bill’ (paid to other surrounding counties because we do not have a jail facility) has been reduced from $291,360 in 2019 to an average of $195,857 for the years of 2020, 2021, and 2022, resulting in an overall savings of around $300,000 in the past three years.
In addition to cost savings over the past three years, plea deals were not routinely offered by dropping the most serious charges. This “deterrent” strategy has contributed to an overall reduction in crime being committed in Cameron County.
But with the stern also comes a compassionate understanding that crime can – and must – be reduced by attacking underlying problems in drug cases: addiction. In the last quarter of 2022, Cameron County adopted the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (“LETI”).
LETI is offered to first time offenders who want to address their drug addiction. Additionally, this program has been utilized by law-enforcement for persons who are not facing criminal charges, but who have simply requested help from law-enforcement with their substance-abuse issue. Thus far, three individuals—two who were arrested and one who reached out for help—have completed inpatient treatment at no cost to them or their families, are currently in outpatient treatment, and are hopefully on their way to a lifelong recovery.
Of course, none of these accomplishments would have been possible without the commitment of our dedicated law enforcement at all levels across the Commonwealth. The men and women serving in the Emporium Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police Troop F, and the Office of the Attorney General, Northcentral Drug Task Force make the daily commitment to hold the line for the common good, and mindful that many days involve serious risk of harm to themselves.
Lastly, as some of you may be aware, four years ago I received the honor of an endorsement from the FOP NARC Lodge #74, and I have been notified of their continued support in this election.
Serving as the District Attorney for Cameron County has been the honor of my legal career and among the great honors of my life. I humbly ask you for your continued support and approval for the next four years so that Cameron County can continue to be the kind of place that we love to call home.
