July 8 Protest Event in Manheim is Peaceful, Without Arrests

We are providing an update on a protest event that happened Wednesday (July 8) in Manheim Borough.

The demonstration began at 4 p.m. and lasted until about 7:30 p.m.

Approximately 60 to 70 people participated in peaceful demonstration while marching around ...

Father and Son Charged in Sunday Morning Shooting in Ephrata that Injured 4 Men

An Ephrata Township man is charged with opening fire at a group of six men – wounding four of the men - Sunday night in Ephrata Township.

The alleged shooter’s father is charged with conspiring in the shooting and providing a rifle used...

Man who Preyed on 'Weak and Helpless' Jailed up to 20 Years for Beating Woman, Toddler

A Lancaster man will serve up to 20 years in prison for beating and sexually assaulting a woman – and for beating the woman’s toddler because the child cried as his mother was beaten.

Luis Martinez-Colomba, 33, must also register his wh...

Man with ‘Extensive’ Record Caught Discarding Stolen Gun Jailed up to 15 Years

A Lancaster man with prior felony convictions will serve at least 7½ years in prison for having a stolen firearm during an incident last year in the city.

Lancaster city police caught Chappell Williams discarding the gun when they responded to t...

Bainbridge Man Sentenced for Stabbing 2 Men at Conoy Township Bar

A Bainbridge man will serve up to 16 years in prison for stabbing two men at a Conoy Township bar in 2018.

Peter V. Fultano, 37, previously pleaded guilty to felony counts of aggravated assault regarding the Nov. 23, 2018, incident at Bainbridge Inn, 5 Nor...

13 Lancaster County Officers Honored as ‘Top Guns’ for DUI Law Enforcement

Thirteen Lancaster County police officers were recently recognized as “Top Guns” for their DUI law enforcement efforts.

The thirteen officers made a combined 354 DUI arrests last year in Lancaster County.

“Your enforcement of D...

23 People Charged in Auto Dealer Fraud Ring Across Several States

From Pennsylvania State Police:

After a thorough and complete investigation conducted by multiple agencies, the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop J Lancaster, announced today that 23 individuals have been arrested in relation to illegal vehicle sales activi...

Power of Attorney Charged with Stealing $248K from His Elderly Mother

An East Hempfield Township man is charged with stealing nearly $250,000 from his mother while serving as power of attorney when she was in a Lititz assisted-living community.

Jeffrey S. Weit made 237 transactions from his mother’s account, since ...

DA Heather Adams Joins Area Prosecutors Call for Police Hiring Reforms

From Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s Office:

Today, Pennsylvania District Attorneys from Centre, Dauphin, Lancaster, Franklin, and York counties formally joined the coalition formed by Attorney General Shapiro to end the practice of law enforceme...

Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Transfer at Prison that Caused Inmate’s Death

A Lancaster man will serve up to a decade in prison for providing fentanyl to Lancaster County inmates last year, causing one of them to fatally overdose.

Jamie Franco-Quinones, 50, and his son conspired to provide drugs to inmates – including Fr...

Woman Jailed for Spree of Store Robberies - After Being Paroled for Past Store Robberies

A Lititz woman on parole for a store robbery spree was again sentenced to state prison – for three more store robberies, including the same store from the past spree.

Kathleen E. Moore, 52, had recently been paroled when she robbed three Lancaste...

Dealer with Criminal History Since 1985 Sentenced for Fentanyl Sale from Parked Car

A repeat offender will serve up to 10 years in state prison for selling fentanyl-laced heroin from his parked Jaguar in Lancaster – as a surveillance camera recorded the transaction.

Jose M. Valentin, 53, will serve 3 1/3 to 10 years in prison, a...

DNA Leads to Charges Against Man in 2 Rapes Nearly 20 Years Ago

A Manheim Township man fatally shot himself in his home Wednesday morning when police were serving an arrest warrant regarding two rapes that happened nearly 20 years ago in rural parts of Lancaster County.

The Lancaster County Coroner’s Office p...

Review of Drug Task Force Prompts Widespread Changes; $150K in Seized Funds Unaccounted For

The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office announces today the implementation of widespread changes in procedure and protocols regarding daily operations of the Lancaster County Drug Task Force.

District Attorney Heather Adams prioritized th...

Our Comments on the Death of George Floyd and Protests in Lancaster County

Police officers, like all public servants, are held to a high standard of performance – as they should be. They have chosen a profession like no other and have sworn to protect and serve everyone – regardless of who they are, what they...

With Schools Closed, Who Can Kids Talk to About Abuse at Home?

Social Distancing and at-home confinement present challenges for children in abusive environments.

With schools closed and in-person contact with friends and relatives limited, some kids could be searching for someone to speak to about at-home problems.

Hom...

Police Week 2020: A Look at the Many Duties Performed by Lancaster County Officers

Police officer duties – protecting our communities and preserving our safety – have been ongoing during the COVID-19 emergency, so it is fitting that we honor our officers during National Police Week.

Police work during the pandemic dem...

No Prosecution of Citations Issued Pursuant to Stay-Home Orders and Business Closures

The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office will not prosecute citations pursuant to the Disease Prevention and Control Law regarding violations of state-mandated stay-at-home orders and closure orders of “non-essential businesses....

Information Sought on Activities Involving Man Charged with Abusing Children

The investigation of a New Holland man recently charged with sexual abuse of six children is ongoing.

Law enforcement officials would like to hear from individuals with information about 51-year-old Gustavo Rendon’s contact with children.

Other in...

SCAM ALERT: Caller Claims to be Police, Demands Money for Unpaid Tickets

Residents are warned to beware of an active scam involving a caller identifying himself as police and demanding payment.

Multiple incidents were reported this week to police and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.

In one incident, a female rece...

State Troopers Justified in Firing at Fleeing Fugitive in Paradise Twp. in 2019

The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office reviewed a Feb. 19, 2019, incident in Paradise Township that involved Pennsylvania State Police troopers firing and wounding a fleeing fugitive, who was driving his vehicle in the direction of poli...

Many Resources in Lancaster County to Combat Mental Health Troubles Heightened by COVID-19

While the COVID-19 emergency has had widespread impact on the physical health of those infected, the pandemic’s impact on mental health has also been rampant – while perhaps not as noticeable.

Stay-home restrictions effect people differ...

Convicted Felon Still Wanted after Failure to Appear at Trial and Sentencing

A convicted felon who failed to appear for his trial will serve up to a decade in prison – with his sentence starting upon his capture.

William Berke III was a no show at trial in January, when a jury deliberated 20 minutes before convicting him ...

Quarantine Can Raise Risk of Domestic Violence – But Help is Available

Stay-home orders prompted by COVID-19 raise the stress and risk levels of some individuals who might not feel safe at home.

For anyone feeling threatened or being abused at home: There is help.

Police are investigating and acting in response to reports, as ...

We Served 3,670 Victims in 2019, when $2.2 Million Restitution was Collected

Our mission is to advocate for crime victims, preserve public safety, and seek justice for all.

This week is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, a recognition of those impacted by crime and a time to inform the public about victims’ ri...

Police Justified in Firing at Man who Fled at 130+ MPH, Struck Occupied Cruiser

The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office has reviewed a May 6, 2019, incident in East Hempfield Township that involved two Pennsylvania State Police troopers firing at a fleeing suspect in a vehicle, after the suspect nearly struck one of...

Lancaster County Crime Prevention Task Force Summit, DTF Auction Deferred Due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 emergency has prompted changes in events planned for May in Lancaster County: the Crime Prevention Summit and the Drug Task Force Public Auction.

- The Crime Prevention Summit, scheduled for May 15 at the Lancaster-Lebanon IU13 building, has b...

Safety Coalition Cameras Keep Rolling in Lancaster During COVID-19 Emergency

Cameras positioned at nearly 200 locations in Lancaster city continue to roll during the COVID-19 emergency.

The Lancaster Safety Coalition, a non-profit organization that oversees and operates the cameras, has modified in-office and work-from-home operati...

Man Jailed up to 20 Years for Providing Gun During Confrontation that Led to Shooting

A Lancaster man will serve up to 20 years in prison for providing a gun for a shooting last year in the city.

Farhad “Bang Out” Wahidullah was with a group of males who confronted a man on Campbell Avenue on July 28, 2019.

The group exch...

WARNING: Scammers Targeting Stimulus Payments; What to Watch For

A developing phishing scam is targeting individuals expecting a stimulus payment due to the COVID-19 emergency.

Residents SHOULD NOT provide bank account or direct deposit information to anyone contacting them through social media, email, or via text messa...

SERT, Drug Task Force Seize Stolen Guns, Charge 2 in Raid at Lancaster Home

The Lancaster County Special Emergency Response Team assisted the County Drug Task Force in a raid this week at a city home that uncovered two stolen pistols, ammo, and several ounces of marijuana.

A man and a woman were arrested during the early-morning o...

Many Lancaster County Police Departments Taking Non-Emergency Incident Reports Online

Several Lancaster County police departments are using CRIMEWATCH’S online reporting system for non-emergency incidents – such as a damaged vehicle, lost/stolen wallet or act of vandalism.

The online reporting system was implemented in r...

Amid COVID-19 Crisis, Lancaster County’s 1st Responders Work Hundreds of Calls Daily

While many people are away from work amid business closures and the limiting of in-office staffing, emergency responders in Lancaster County have not missed a beat.

Good thing, because our safety and health depends on their great work.

Police, EMS crews, fi...

Our Team of Advocates is Available to Support Victims during COVID-19

Our office is aware of the impact of isolation presented by the COVID-19 emergency.

That impact can be particularly difficult for people who are victims of crime.

We have a team of advocates available to support victims – and that continues during...

College Students Litigate in Lancaster for Mock Trial Tournament

Aspiring lawyers from more than a dozen colleges and universities recently visited the Lancaster County Courthouse for opening round action of the American Mock Trial Association’s National Tournament.

Six prosecutors from our office served as vo...

Man Decides to Plead Guilty to Rape - After Victim Testifies at Trial

A Lancaster man on trial this week for raping a woman decided to plead guilty after 2½ days of testimony.

Kenny Padilla-Pineda pleaded guilty to rape and related counts after a local jury heard testimony from the victim and other witnesses.

Lanca...

Elizabethtown Woman Sentenced for Strangling to Death her 4-Month Old Daughter

An Elizabethtown woman will serve up to 20 years in prison for suffocating her infant daughter, found unresponsive in an apartment in July 2018.

Candace Parrow, 25, previously pleaded no contest guilty but mentally ill to 3^rd-degree murder and related coun...

Repeat Sex Offender Jailed up to 30 Years for Breaking Probation from 1988 Sentence

A repeat sex offender was sentenced to his longest prison term yet for a recent probation violation stemming from a 1988 conviction for abusing eight boys.

Kevin Portello was a student at Lancaster Bible College decades ago when he contacted and abused the...

Superior Court: First Human Trafficking Trial Conviction in Lancaster County Will Stand

The first human trafficking trial conviction in Lancaster County history will stand, the Pennsylvania Superior Court recently ordered.

Dominic O. Roach filed for relief from his conviction and 18-to-36-year prison sentence for trafficking two women from Ne...

'Evil and Perversion': Rapist Jailed up to 63 Years for Abuse of 2 Girls

A Manheim Township man will serve up to 63 years in prison for years of abuse of two girls, behavior that the sentencing judge called “disgusting and evil.”

Geoffrey Bussard was sentenced Friday to 29½ to 63 years regarding h...

Love Your Dog Month: Licensing Your Dog Supports Cruelty Law Enforcement

February officially became Love Your Dog Month at a recent ceremony in Lancaster to promote the importance of proper licensing and cruelty law enforcement.

Having your dog licensed every year not only protects your own pet, but also helps mistreated dogs a...

District Attorney’s Office Continues Brochure Project to Decrease PFA Violations

Lancaster County’s Sheriff and District Attorney are continuing a project to educate those served with protection-from-abuse orders and ultimately decrease illegal reactions to the orders.

District Attorney Heather Adams recently provided Sheriff...

East Earl Man Jailed Decades for ‘Offensive and Evil’ Acts of Child Abuse

An East Earl man will serve at least 38 years in prison for years of sexual abuse of four pre-teenage girls, abuse which has inflicted permanent trauma on the victims who are now struggling with instinctual sexually deviate behaviors.

David S. Smucker, 75,...

State Prison for Men who Brought 'Staggering Amount' of Fentanyl to Lancaster County

Two Philadelphia-based drug suppliers were recently sentenced in Lancaster County Court to state prison for trafficking thousands of bags of fentanyl.

Assistant District Attorney Barry Goldman said Joshua Flores and Jacob Delmonte brought a “stag...

‘I’m the Last Person to Judge Anyone': Police Officer has Saved Numerous Lives with Narcan

Northwest Regional police Officer Frank Jones proudly took an oath to put himself in harm’s way to protect the public from those who perpetrate crimes.

In recent years those duties have expanded to bringing individuals back to life following over...

GUILTY: Jury Finds Man Backed into Police Cruiser After Berating Sergeant over Traffic Tickets

A New Holland man was convicted this week of berating a police officer over traffic tickets, then deliberately backing into the officer’s cruiser and fleeing.

A local jury convicted 66-year-old Mark Wingerd of the hit-and-run - four months after ...

Human Services Block Grant Public Hearing for fiscal year 20-21

The Lancaster County Human Services Block Grant Public Hearing for fiscal year 20-21 is available to view here ...

https://lancastercopa.civicclerk.com/web/home.aspx

Commissioners' Meeting and Prison Board Videos

Due to transitioning to our new video system, videos from previous Commissioners’ Meetings and Prison Board Meetings (prior to June 24, 2020) may be temporarily unavailable on our website.  If you would like to view a video, please cont...