News Flash • Bucks County, PA • CivicEngage

Morrisville Senior Service Center31 E. Cleveland AvenueMorrisville, PA 19067215-295-0567Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.  

YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties – Fairless Hills Branch601 S. Oxford Valley RoadFairless Hills, PA 19030215-949-3400Hours: 5 a.m. – 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties – Warminster Branch624 York RoadWarminster, PA 18974267-387-9622Hours: 5 a.m. – 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Quakertown Masonic Lodge501 W. Broad StreetQuakertown, PA 18951267-450-5191*No Children, No animals or service animals, not handicapped accessibleHours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Riegelsville Borough Hall615 Easton RoadRiegelsville, PA 18077610-749-2726Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

During this heat emergency, additional cooling centers may be open throughout Bucks County including senior centers and other facilities that are not currently part of the County’s cooling center program. Check your municipality’s social media and website for cooling centers that are not listed here, but that may be closer to you.

The county generally issues an Excessive Heat Warning when the National Weather Service forecasts daytime temperatures will reach 95 degrees by 11 a.m. on two or more consecutive days, or when heat indexes will reach 100 degrees on any given day.

Municipalities or nonprofit agencies interested in participating in this program in the future should contact Bucks County Emergency Services at 215-340-8700.

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: June 20, 2025
Hatboro Man Convicted of Machete Attack in Road Rage Incident

A 67-year-old man was convicted on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, by a Bucks County jury of attacking a man with a machete during a road rage incident in New Britain Township last fall.

The jury found Kenneth Williams, of Hatboro, guilty of aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, and harassment. Sentencing was deferred to a later date. The jury trial, which began Monday, was presided over by Common Pleas Judge Charissa J. Liller.

The violent encounter unfolded on October 17, 2024, around 7:43 a.m., when police were called to the intersection of County Line Road and Manor Drive for reports of an armed individual. Initial dispatches indicated two men were fighting, with one wielding a machete.

Upon arrival, an officer observed Williams and the victim struggling over a black machete in the middle of the road. The officer ordered both men to drop the weapon. As they separated, Williams, who had control of the machete, dropped it. The officer then ordered both men to the ground.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: June 18, 2025
Philadelphia Man Sentenced in Fatal Hit-and-Run of Skateboarder

A Philadelphia man received a state prison sentence today for a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a Bristol Township skateboarder two years ago.

Tajair Anthony Delbridge, 26, was sentenced by Common Pleas Judge Charissa J. Liller to 3-6 years in state prison, followed by 7 years of probation, after pleading guilty to accidents involving death or personal injury, hindering apprehension or prosecution, tampering with physical evidence, and criminal solicitation to commit false reports.

During the emotional sentencing hearing, the mother and sister of the victim, 28-year-old Joel Moreau, delivered impact statements detailing their profound loss. Moreau’s mother painfully recounted the agonizing struggle to comprehend how someone could strike a person and heartlessly leave them to die on the road.

Assistant District Attorney Andrew Bukowski also shared impact statements from other family members and friends, including a heartbreaking message from Moreau’s father, who expressed his grief, declaring, “my heart is broken and will never be unbroken.”

Joel Moreau was lovingly remembered by his family and friends as a tender and generous soul, a life senselessly cut short.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: June 13, 2025
Man Sentenced to State Prison for Domestic Violence, Witness Intimidation

A Philadelphia man has been sentenced to nearly 4 1/2 years to 13 years in state prison for repeatedly assaulting his girlfriend and attempting to intimidate her into not testifying against him.

Anthony Ortiz, 34, entered an open guilty plea on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, before Common Pleas Judge Stephen A. Corr.

Ortiz pleaded guilty to charges including strangulation, intimidation of witnesses, unlawful restraint, simple assault, harassment, and recklessly endangering another person. Given the severity of the offenses, Judge Corr imposed a sentence within the aggravated range of sentencing guidelines.

In addition to a minimum sentence of 4 years and months to a maximum sentence of 13 years, Judge Corr ordered Ortiz to undergo domestic violence supervision, have no contact with the victims, and complete a mental health evaluation.

The charges stemmed from three domestic assaults that occurred in June, July and August 2024

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Additional Info…
District Attorney News
Posted on: June 12, 2025
Don’t Get Scammed: Recognizing the Red Flags of Fake Warrants and Law Enforcement Imposters

In an increasingly digital world, scams are evolving, becoming more sophisticated and harder to distinguish from legitimate communications. We’ve recently seen a prime example of this with fraudulent “WARRANTS FOR THE ARREST OF A WITNESS IN A CIVIL ACTION” circulating, particularly targeting residents in areas like Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It’s crucial to understand the tactics these scammers use and how to protect yourself.

The Bucks County Sheriff’s Office, like many law enforcement agencies across the country, has been issuing urgent warnings about these imposter scams. While we often hear about phone scams, we’re also seeing these criminals now employing email and text messages to distribute fake warrants, adding another layer to their deceptive schemes.

Here’s what you absolutely need to know to spot these scams and stay safe:

1. The “Warrant” is a Weapon of Intimidation:

Scammers create official-looking documents, often complete with seals, signatures, and legal jargon, to instill fear and pressure victims into immediate action. They’ll use threatening language, claiming you’ll be arrested, fined, or face severe legal consequences if you don’t comply. This fear is their primary tool.

2. Law Enforcement Will NEVER Demand Immediate Payment in These Ways:

This is the golden rule to remember. Legitimate law enforcement agencies, including Sheriff’s Offices, the FBI, or your local police, will absolutely never:

• Demand money over the phone, email, or text message.
• Ask you to pay fines or resolve warrants using Bitcoin, gift cards, or payments at random kiosks.
• Threaten you with immediate arrest to force a payment.
• Instruct you to wire money to foreign accounts or use payment apps for fines.

3. Official Communication is Different:

If there’s a legitimate legal issue, you will typically receive official notification through certified mail or in-person service by a uniformed officer. Law enforcement will not issue “federal warrants” or “jury warrants” via phone, email or text.

4. They May “Spoof” Numbers and Use Real Names:

Scammers are cunning. They might “spoof” the phone number on your caller ID to make it appear as though they’re calling from the legitimate Sheriff’s Office or courthouse. They may even use the names of real deputies or officials they’ve found online to sound more convincing. Don’t trust caller ID alone.

5. What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Call, Email, or Text:

• HANG UP IMMEDIATELY: If you feel pressured, uncomfortable, or something seems off, end the call.
• DO NOT CLICK LINKS OR OPEN ATTACHMENTS: If it’s an email or text, do not click on any links or download any attachments. They could contain malware or lead to phishing websites.
• VERIFY INDEPENDENTLY:
  • Do not use any phone numbers or websites provided by the suspicious caller/sender.
  • Independently search online for the official phone number of the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office (or the relevant agency they claim to be from).
  • Call that verified number directly to inquire about the legitimacy of the communication.
• NEVER GIVE OUT PERSONAL OR FINANCIAL INFORMATION: This includes your Social Security number, bank account details, credit card numbers, or any other sensitive information.
• REPORT IT: If you believe you’ve been targeted by a scam, even if you didn’t fall for it, report it to your local police department immediately. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Scammers thrive on fear and urgency. By staying informed and recognizing these critical red flags, you can empower yourself and your community against these predatory schemes. Share this information with friends and family, especially vulnerable individuals, to help them stay safe. Your vigilance is our best defense!

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Sheriff
Posted on: June 12, 2025
Law & Order: BUX (Ep. 5) – Bringing Justice Home: The Extradition Unit

In this eye-opening episode, we go behind the scenes with the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office to explore the complex world of extradition and prisoner transport. Sheriff Fred Harran and Deputy Grove, the Transportation and Extradition Coordinator, reveal the intricate process of bringing individuals with outstanding warrants back to Bucks County, whether they’re across state lines or even international borders.

You’ll hear about the surprising challenges faced by deputies, including the logistical nightmares of air travel with a prisoner and the unexpected need for a handicap-accessible transport van to ensure the dignified and safe movement of all individuals. Discover how the Sheriff’s office is working to streamline operations, including efforts to free up deputies for critical law enforcement duties.

The episode also touches upon the broader efforts to address the impact of the drug crisis on the justice system, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation and support for those struggling with addiction. Learn about the various types of warrants and the dedication of the deputies who work tirelessly to ensure accountability and provide victims with their day in court.

This episode offers a unique look into the often-unseen but vital work of the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office. Ready for an unfiltered look at law and order in Bucks County? Like, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Law & Order: BUX is available now wherever you get your podcasts:

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Sheriff
Posted on: June 5, 2025
Law & Order: BUX (Ep. 4) – Undercover High: Cops in the Classroom w/ Det. David Nieves

Join Sheriff Fred Harran and special guest Detective Dave Nieves for a wild ride back to high school – not as students, but as undercover cops! In this episode, hear firsthand accounts of their dangerous and often hilarious operations to bust drug dealers and car thieves in Bucks County high schools. From navigating suspicious classmates to making honor roll, Fred and Dave share the unbelievable stories of what it was like to pose as teenagers, build trust with criminals, and bring down operations from the inside.

Listen to episode 4 of Law & Order: BUX, available now wherever you get your podcasts:

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Sheriff
Posted on: June 5, 2025
Statement on Federal Cuts to Senior Food Program

Due to recent cuts in federal funding for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging (BCAAA) will not be receiving its originally requested number of vouchers.  

BCAAA requested 15,000 vouchers and due to federal cuts, they will only receive 11,325 vouchers, which means only 2,265 eligible seniors will receive vouchers this year. This reduction will leave 735 seniors in Bucks County unable to receive vouchers. The County expects that Senior Centers and BCAAA will run out of vouchers rather quickly.  

“If anyone is looking for the true human cost of these thoughtless and heartless cuts being rammed through by the Trump administration, look no further,” said Bob Harvie, Bucks County Board of Commissioners Chair.  

“The most vulnerable seniors in Bucks County are going to lose reliable access to food because of the cuts to this vital program. It’s a disgrace. These funds were allocated by Congress and are illegally being stripped away from the people who rely on these programs to survive. I urge you to call upon your federal Representatives to put an end to this unnecessary cruelty.” 

Once a senior center or our agency runs out of vouchers, BCAAA will make an announcement on our website and the department’s Facebook page.  

The reduced dollar amount per voucher that eligible seniors will receive this year is out of BCAAA’s control and we ask the public to please be patient with our Senior Centers as they will have a limited number of vouchers to distribute this year.  

“Our seniors deserve better. They are our parents and grandparents. They built this county. They made it what it is today. When we allow the federal government to rip away programs like this to make room for tax cuts for billionaires, we begin to lose our humanity as a nation,” said Diane Ellis-Marseglia, Bucks County Board of Commissioners Vice-Chair. 

“These are people in their retirement years who did everything right, but have fallen on difficult times through no fault of their own. While this program is literally about sustenance, it is ultimately about dignity. This generation of seniors was there for us when we needed them, and now the federal government shamefully isn’t holding up their end of the bargain.” 

For more information about the program, please visit this news release.  

Media Contact: Eric Nagy, 215-348-6000, [email protected] 

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: June 4, 2025
Bucks Co. Sheriff’s Office Announces Arrest of Illegal Immigrant Wanted for Alleged Sex Crimes

DOYLESTOWN, PA (June 4, 2025) – The Bucks County Sheriff’s Office today announced the successful apprehension and extradition from New York City of Elias Ortega, 40. Ortega, who is present in the country without legal authorization, was taken into custody on warrants stemming from charges of alleged domestic assault and sexual assault of a minor.

In October 2016, Ortega was arrested and arraigned for an alleged domestic assault. After posting bail, he faced further charges in December 2016 for the alleged sexual assault of a minor. A warrant was issued for his arrest, but Ortega fled before he could be apprehended. 

The nearly decade-long search for Ortega concluded in May 2025, when he was involved in a traffic violation with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn. Upon providing his name, NYPD officers ran his information through their system and discovered the outstanding warrants from Bucks County. He was taken into custody of the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office and extradited on May 27. On May 28, Ortega was arraigned by Judge Gallagher and is currently being held on $2 million bail at the Bucks County Correctional Facility. 

Sheriff Fred Harran lauded the collaborative efforts that led to Ortega’s capture. 

“We are committed to ensuring due process for all while guaranteeing victims of crime receive their justice,” said Sheriff Harran. “This apprehension is a testament to the relentless dedication of our law enforcement partners and the critical importance of intradepartmental police work across jurisdictions.”

Sheriff Harran also highlighted the systemic challenges that allowed Ortega to evade justice and commit further crimes. 

“In 2016, a significant lack of programs prevented law enforcement from fully understanding his immigration status after his initial alleged crime and appropriately collaborating with federal partners for holding, prosecuting, and ultimately deporting him,” Sheriff Harran stated. “Because of this, Mr. Ortega was able to allegedly commit another heinous crime in the very same community—this time, a sex crime against a 14-year-old girl. We need to do everything we can to prevent crime. That means not allowing individuals to repeat crime after coming in contact with the justice system—especially when they shouldn’t be here to begin with.”

The Bucks County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its residents through diligent law enforcement and collaborative efforts with local, state, and federal agencies.

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About the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office: Led by Sheriff Frederick A. Harran, the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is a vital law enforcement agency serving the over 630,000 residents of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Sheriff Harran directs a team of 95 professionals, including 76 sworn deputies, in providing essential services such as court security, warrant execution, civil process, Sheriff’s sales, and gun permit administration. The BCSO is committed to proactive community engagement and strong partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies. The office operates 24/7 to ensure public safety and uphold justice. For more information, visit buckscounty.gov/sheriff 

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Sheriff
Posted on: June 4, 2025
Quakertown Counselor Now Charged with Secretly Recording 21 Victims, Including Minors

A Bucks County family counselor will face trial after waiving his preliminary hearing today, June 4, 2025, on charges he secretly recorded patients and staff in the bathroom of his former Quakertown office, and even recorded counseling sessions with hidden cameras, some targeting minors.

Jonathan Elliot Moyer, 55, of Alburtis, is accused of 12 counts of interception of oral communications, one count of possession of an instrument of crime, and 13 counts of invasion of privacy. Charges were amended prior to the hearing to include additional victims.

Authorities have now identified a total of 21 victims, including staff members and vulnerable individuals seeking counseling services. Of the 12 individuals who fell victim to wiretapping-related charges, three were minors. In one disturbing instance, Moyer allegedly positioned a camera to capture an “up-the-shorts” video of an unsuspecting young girl during a counseling session.

Moyer is scheduled for formal arraignment in the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas on June 30.

“The actions of the defendant represent a profound betrayal of trust, particularly impacting vulnerable individuals seeking help,” said District Attorney Jennifer Schorn. “Our office is committed to ensuring that those who violate the privacy and safety of others are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. We stand with the victims and will pursue justice diligently.”

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District Attorney News
Posted on: June 3, 2025
Sheriff Highlights Efficient Sheriff Sale Process, Credits Collaboration with Recorder of Deeds

DOYLESTOWN, PA (June 2025) – Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran today detailed the county’s highly efficient Sheriff Sale process, underscoring how proactive procedures within his office and crucial collaboration with the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds Office ensure integrity, predictability, and swift outcomes. This well-coordinated system culminates in a remarkable 24-hour turnaround for recording Sheriff Sale deeds—a stark contrast to the crippling delays reported in other jurisdictions.

Recent reporting, including in the Philadelphia Inquirer, has detailed waits of months, sometimes “up to a year,” for Sheriff Sale deeds elsewhere. These administrative backlogs trap properties in legal limbo, stall vital investment, contribute to blight, and erode public trust.

“The entire process, from the diligent execution of the sale by my office according to strict legal guidelines, to the swift recording by the Recorder of Deeds, is built on seamless cooperation,” said Sheriff Harran. “My team is committed to meticulous execution, but the process wouldn’t be complete without the exceptional work of our county partners.”

“I’m grateful for the positive working relationship with Sheriff Harran in serving the people of Bucks County,” said Bucks County Recorder of Deeds Dan McPhillips. “The Bucks County Sheriff’s office completes the process of sheriff sales in an efficient and timely manner, with no unnecessary delays. All deeds that come to my office, including deeds resulting from sheriff sales are recorded within 24 hours of submittal.”

This systemic efficiency allows new owners to promptly secure insurance, obtain financing for renovations, or legally occupy or lease properties. It fosters confidence, accelerates the return of properties to productive use, supports neighborhood stability, and saves taxpayer resources otherwise consumed by managing backlogs and their consequences.

“It’s this integrated efficiency, anchored by diligence in the Sheriff’s office and rapid action from the Recorder of Deeds, that allows us to achieve such a swift final step, benefiting everyone involved and demonstrating effective governance,” added Harran. “Our efficient system, proven by the 24-hour recording benchmark achieved by the Recorder’s office, demonstrates that these complex processes can be managed with competence and speed when county offices work together effectively.”

Read Sheriff Harran’s op-ed detailing the process HERE 

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About the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office: Led by Sheriff Frederick A. Harran, the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is a vital law enforcement agency serving the over 630,000 residents of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Sheriff Harran directs a team of 95 professionals, including 76 sworn deputies, in providing essential services such as court security, warrant execution, civil process, Sheriff’s sales, and gun permit administration. The BCSO is committed to proactive community engagement and strong partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies. The office operates 24/7 to ensure public safety and uphold justice. For more information, buckscounty.gov/sheriff 

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Sheriff
Posted on: June 2, 2025
Bucks County Breaks Ground on First Trail in New Planned Network

The County of Bucks broke ground Thursday on the Neshaminy Greenway Trail at Core Creek Park in Middletown Township. 

The project includes a one-mile trail within the park that will link existing trails to the intersection of Woodbourne and Ellis Roads. Once complete, the trail will be part of the Delaware Valley’s 800-mile bicycle trail network known as “the Circuit.” 

“This is just another example of making government work for the people of this county in a way that benefits them,” said Commissioner Chair Bob Harvie. 

Commissioner Bob Harvie and Director of Transportation Planning Rich Brahler at the groundbreaking ceremony. 

The trail is planned to run adjacent to Lake Luxembourg along Tollgate Road. 

Unique to trails in Bucks County, this extension will include a 150-foot floating boardwalk where the trail crosses a tributary of Core Creek.  

The Neshaminy Greenway Trail is planned to one day follow Neshaminy Creek, linking communities and recreational facilities at the creek’s beginning near Chalfont Borough with its confluence at the Delaware River. 

Bucks County’s Planning Commission led planning for the project with support from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. 

Engineering firm Gilmore & Associates, Inc., performed design work on the project. Construction will be handled by James D. Morrissey. 

A drone view of the Greenway Trail project courtesy the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC).

Design costs for the trail were funded by PennDOT’s Act 13 Marcellus Legacy Fund and construction costs will be funded through PennDOT’s Transportation Alternative Set Aside Program.  

The project will cost approximately $3.2 million to construct and is expected to be completed within 12-18 months. 

Click here for more information about the project and to follow its progress. 

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected] 

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: May 30, 2025 | Last Modified on: May 30, 2025
Bristol Township Man Sentenced for Perjury in Shaquille Love Murder Investigation

A 29-year-old man pleaded guilty today to charges of perjury and false swearing related to the Grand Jury investigation into the December 2020 murder of Shaquille Love. The plea was entered before Common Pleas Judge Wallace H. Bateman Jr. via video conference.

Judge Bateman sentenced Quashaad Rodney James, of Bristol Township, to 1 ½ to six years in state prison, with a concurrent sentence of two years of probation. This sentence will begin after James is paroled from a 20 to 40-year sentence he is currently serving for an unrelated matter originating in Philadelphia.

The charges against James stem from his false testimony under oath before the Investigating Grand Jury. During his testimony, James falsely identified another individual as the person responsible for the murder of Shaquille Love. Bucks County Detectives subsequently investigated and confirmed that the individual James accused had no involvement in the crime.

During the sentencing hearing, Deputy District Attorney Brittney M. Kern emphasized the seriousness of James’ actions, stating that lying to the Grand Jury on two separate occasions not only impeded a homicide investigation but also wrongly implicated an innocent man.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: May 30, 2025
New York Man Sentenced to State Prison for Firearm Possession Following Hilltown Township Incident

A New York felon was sentenced today to eight to 20 years in a state correctional facility for illegally possessing a firearm, which was discovered during a welfare check at a Hilltown Township gas station in November 2023.

Daniel Enrique Perez, 52, of Newburgh, was found guilty by a Bucks County jury following a 2-day trial in April on a charge of persons not to possess a firearm. On Friday, Common Pleas Judge Stephen A. Corr handed down the sentence, which falls within the aggravated range in the sentencing guidelines.

The charges stem from an incident on November 26, 2023, at approximately 12:02 a.m. when Hilltown Township Police were dispatched to the Sunoco gas station located at 1501 Bethlehem Pike in Hilltown Township for a well-being check. Upon arrival at 12:11 a.m., officers encountered Perez, who was nonresponsive and in an altered state next to a vehicle at a fuel pump.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: May 28, 2025
GORDON PLEADS GUILTY TO MURDERING THREE, SENTENCED TO THREE CONSECUTIVE LIFE TERMS

Andre Gordon Jr. today pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder in Bucks County court and was sentenced to three consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole. The sentence also includes an additional 156 ½ to 313 years in state prison for a series of violent crimes committed on March 16, 2024, in Falls Township.

The lives stolen that horrific morning were those of his 13-year-old sister, a young life brimming with potential; his 52-year-old stepmother, Karen Gordon, an Army veteran who died shielding her daughter and herself from danger; and 25-year-old Taylor Daniel, the loving mother of his two now motherless children.

Beyond the three counts of murder, Gordon’s guilty plea encompassed a litany of violent acts that terrorized families and shook the peace of Falls Township: attempted homicide, burglary, aggravated assault, robbery of a motor vehicle, robbery, unlawful restraint, discharging a firearm into an occupied structure, theft by unlawful taking, possession of an instrument of crime, terroristic threats, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person.

Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn stated that the plea followed detailed talks with the family. During the sentencing hearing before President Judge Raymond F. McHugh, the prosecution presented a powerful video compilation that included harrowing 911 calls from both shooting locations, body camera and surveillance footage depicting the crime scenes, and a heartbreaking interview with one of Taylor Daniel’s daughters conducted at the Bucks County Child Advocacy Center.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: May 23, 2025
Bristol Township Man Sentenced for Secretly Recording Teen Girls in Bathroom

A Bristol Township man who pled guilty to hiding spy cameras in his bathroom to record his former girlfriend and her teen daughters was sentenced on Thursday, May 22, 2025, to 6 to 23 months in the Bucks County Correctional Facility.

In February, John V. Dutton, 55, entered guilty pleas to six counts of invasion of privacy, two counts of interception of oral communications, and one count of possession of a controlled substance. Judge Liller also presided over

At Thursday’s sentencing, Common Pleas Judge Charissa J. Liller sentenced him to county jail, followed by 11 years of consecutive probation.

The investigation into Dutton began in August 2023 when the victims’ mother discovered what she believed to be a spy camera disguised as a USB cell phone charging port in the bathroom of their shared residence. Her two daughters and son also lived in the home. The mother became suspicious after Dutton insisted on either having no shower curtain or a clear one in the common bathroom.

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District Attorney News

Posted on: May 22, 2025
Senior Farmers Market Vouchers Return June 1

The Bucks County Area Agency on Aging announces the return of the Senior Famers Market Nutrition Program for summer 2025.

Administered through the state Department of Agriculture, the program provides vouchers for eligible seniors to purchase produce at farmers markets.

Vouchers will be distributed through local senior centers from June 1 through Sept. 30. Availability varies by date and location.

Qualifying recipients are 60 or older and meet household income guidelines. Seniors who qualify will receive five vouchers at $5.00 each.

The 2025 household income eligibility is:

1 person – $28,953   5 people – $69,6532 people – $39,128   6 people – $79,8283 people – $49,303  7 people – $90,0034 people – $59,478   8 people – $100,178

For the purposes of this program, “income” refers to total income before any deductions such as income taxes, social security taxes, insurance premiums, charitable contributions, bonds, etc. 

In the event your local Senior Center has run out of vouchers, please contact the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging to get on the mailing list for an application prior to Sept. 15.

Residents seeking additional information about this or other senior programs in Bucks County can contact the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging at 267-880-5700.

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

VOUCHER DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE & SENIOR CENTER LOCATIONS

Bensalem Senior Center1850 Byberry Road, Bensalem 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Tuesdays

Ben Wilson Senior Center580 Delmont Ave., Warminster 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tuesdays

Bristol Borough Area Active Adult Center301 Wood Street, Bristol Borough 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Wednesdays

Bristol Township Senior Center2501 Bath Road, Bristol Township 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Mondays

Central Bucks Senior Center700 Shady Retreat Road, Doylestown 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Fridays

Eastern Upper Bucks Senior Center8040 Route 611, Ottsville 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Falls Township Senior Center282 Trenton Road, Fairless Hills 9 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Fridays

Middletown Senior Center2142 Trenton Road, Levittown 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wednesdays 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Fridays

Morrisville Senior ServiCenter31 East Cleveland Ave. Morrisville 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Tuesdays 

Neshaminy Activity Center1842 Brownsville Road, Trevose 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Northampton Township James E. Kinney Center165 Township Road, Richboro 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays (Applications located in pouch on front door)

Pennridge Community Center146 East Main Street, Perkasie 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Wednesdays

Upper Bucks Senior Center2183 Milford Square Pike, Milford Square 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Tuesdays

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: May 19, 2025
Bucks County Sheriff’s Office Offers Free American Flag Exchange Ahead of Memorial Day

DOYLESTOWN, PA (May 19, 2025) – As Memorial Day and the summer season approaches, Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran is encouraging residents to honor fallen heroes by ensuring their American flags are in fitting condition through the Making Old Glory New Again program. In partnership with Parx Casino, the Sheriff’s Office is offering Bucks County residents a free 3’x5′ American flag in exchange for their old, worn, or tattered flags.

“Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by our service members,” said Sheriff Harran. “Displaying a well-maintained American flag is a simple yet powerful way to show our respect and gratitude. Our partnership with Parx Casino allows us to help residents ensure their flags are a proper tribute to those we honor.”

The Making Old Glory New Again program provides a convenient way for residents to replace flags that are no longer suitable for display, ensuring that every home can proudly fly a respectful symbol of American patriotism and remembrance this summer. Old flags collected through the program will be properly retired according to federal guidelines, ensuring they are handled with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Residents can exchange their old flags for new ones at the following Bucks County Sheriff’s Office locations during regular business hours:

• Doylestown: Bucks County Justice Center, 100 N. Main Street, Floor B2. Monday-Friday, 8:45 AM – 3:45 PM.
• Levittown: 7321 New Falls Road. Monday-Friday, 8:45 AM – 3:45 PM.
• Quakertown: 261 California Road. Wednesdays ONLY, 8:45 AM – 3:45 PM.

About the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office: Led by Sheriff Frederick A. Harran, the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is a vital law enforcement agency serving the over 630,000 residents of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Sheriff Harran, with over 38 years of law enforcement experience, directs a team of 95 professionals, including 76 sworn deputies, in providing essential services such as court security, warrant execution, civil process, Sheriff’s sales, and gun permit administration. The BCSO is committed to proactive community engagement and strong partnerships with the 39 local police departments and state/federal agencies operating within Bucks County. The office operates 24/7 to ensure public safety and uphold justice. For more information, visit buckscounty.gov/sheriff.  

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Sheriff
Posted on: May 16, 2025
(BLOG) How Crisis Intervention Training is Making Bucks Co. Safer

Over the course of 39 years in law enforcement, I’ve witnessed the significant evolution of the challenges our officers face. Modern policing demands a diverse skillset and a deep understanding of complex community issues. That’s why I was particularly proud to recently attend the graduation of two more deputies from our Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program. Their dedication to this vital training is something I deeply appreciate and consider essential for effective law enforcement today.

With these latest graduates, the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office now counts 24 certified CIT participants. This expansion represents a continued investment in how my office serves Bucks County residents and reflects a policing philosophy I’ve strongly embraced throughout my nearly four decades in this profession.

Understanding the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program

The CIT program, an innovative initiative based on a successful model from Memphis, TN, fundamentally improves how law enforcement interacts with individuals experiencing behavioral health crises driven by mental illness, substance use, or developmental disabilities. Earlier in my career, officers often lacked specialized training for these sensitive situations, leading to outcomes that weren’t ideal for anyone involved.

CIT training directly addresses this gap. It provides my deputies with specialized skills, honed over years of practice and research, to recognize signs of distress and safely de-escalate tense encounters, minimizing the need for force. Crucially, it emphasizes connecting individuals with appropriate behavioral health treatment and resources – a core tenet of my approach. It’s about ensuring people get the help they need, diverting them from the cycle of arrest and incarceration which often worsens underlying issues.

Proven Impact and Collaborative Success

Since its formal launch in Bucks County in 2008, the CIT program has consistently demonstrated its value, mirroring positive impacts seen nationwide. Data confirms that CIT training reduces arrests, decreases the use of force and injuries to both civilians and officers, and improves satisfaction with how these difficult calls are handled. For my deputies, it builds confidence and compassion in navigating complex situations. For the community, it ensures a more appropriate, safer, and more effective response for those in crisis, strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the public.

The success of the CIT program in Bucks County is a direct result of collaboration. It was born out of a need to address challenges like jail overcrowding and developed through strong partnerships between County government, behavioral health professionals, and dedicated advocates, including our local NAMI chapter. My experience has taught me that effective law enforcement is a team effort, and I am committed to continuing and strengthening these vital partnerships.

Investing in a Safer Future

Attending the graduation and witnessing the dedication of these deputies reinforces what my experience has consistently shown: specialized training and a community-focused approach are paramount for the safety and well-being of both our officers and our residents. By increasing the number of CIT-certified deputies, the Sheriff’s Office is enhancing our capability to respond to behavioral health incidents with the understanding and skills necessary for the best possible outcomes.

Expanding our CIT-trained personnel is a critical investment in our collective well-being. It embodies a progressive approach to law enforcement that I wholeheartedly support – one that prioritizes de-escalation and treatment when appropriate, easing the burden on our correctional facilities and fostering a more supportive environment for those in need. I commend the deputies who have completed this important training, and drawing on my nearly four decades in this field, I am confident that the continued growth of the Bucks County CIT program is making our county safer and our law enforcement more effective.

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Sheriff
Posted on: May 16, 2025 | Last Modified on: May 16, 2025
Bucks County, Bucks DA Take Legal Action over Insulin Prices

The County of Bucks today filed a lawsuit against several major pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and insulin manufacturers, contending that these healthcare giants have for decades colluded to unfairly increase the cost of insulin and other diabetes medications – essential medications needed daily by thousands of Bucks County residents and millions of Americans with diabetes. 

Throughout the past two decades, insulin costs have skyrocketed by more than 1,000%, with medications that cost manufacturers approximately $2 per vial to produce being sold to patients for hundreds of dollars. PBMs have allegedly used their control over which drugs get covered by insurance to demand billions in hidden payments from manufacturers, favoring higher-priced medications that offer them larger payouts. 

“Insulin was discovered over a hundred years ago, and its inventors sold their patents for just $1 because they wanted to save lives. But today insulin costs more in America than any other country in the world,” said Commissioner Chair Bob Harvie. “As the father of a child with diabetes, this issue hits close to home for me. It is our job as County Commissioners to ensure that Bucks County employees and our wider community pay fair prices for insulin.” 

The lawsuit alleges that Bucks County, which runs its own health plan for employees and their families, has paid excessively high prices for insulin and other diabetes medications because of the predatory pricing scheme. The County is seeking financial compensation for overpayments forced upon taxpayers and health plan members as well as a court order to stop the defendants’ unlawful pricing practices going forward. 

“Manufacturers and middlemen have rigged America’s drug pricing system, making insulin incredibly expensive for the families covered by our County health plan,” said Bucks County Solicitor Amy Fitzpatrick. “This lawsuit aims to recover the taxpayer funds taken from our County health plan due to this pricing conspiracy and stop these companies from charging unreasonable prices for life-saving medication.” 

The lawsuit was filed concurrently with a consumer protection case against PBMs and manufacturers over insulin prices brought by Bucks County District Attorney Jen Schorn. 

Bucks County’s legal action, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey as part of the consolidated Insulin Pricing Litigation, aims to hold PBM giants CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRx, along with insulin manufacturers Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi financially responsible for their alleged pricing manipulation. 

The County is represented by the four firms serving as co-lead counsel for the self-funded payer track – Baron & Budd; Levin Papantonio; Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton; and Seeger Weiss. The firms are representing the County on a contingent basis and will not be paid in the event the lawsuit is unsuccessful. 

Click here to read the County’s full complaint.

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: May 16, 2025
Bucks County, Bucks DA Take Legal Action over Insulin Prices

The County of Bucks today filed a lawsuit against several major pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and insulin manufacturers, contending that these healthcare giants have for decades colluded to unfairly increase the cost of insulin and other diabetes medications – essential medications needed daily by thousands of Bucks County residents and millions of Americans with diabetes. 

Throughout the past two decades, insulin costs have skyrocketed by more than 1,000%, with medications that cost manufacturers approximately $2 per vial to produce being sold to patients for hundreds of dollars. PBMs have allegedly used their control over which drugs get covered by insurance to demand billions in hidden payments from manufacturers, favoring higher-priced medications that offer them larger payouts. 

“Insulin was discovered over a hundred years ago, and its inventors sold their patents for just $1 because they wanted to save lives. But today insulin costs more in America than any other country in the world,” said Commissioner Chair Bob Harvie. “As the father of a child with diabetes, this issue hits close to home for me. It is our job as County Commissioners to ensure that Bucks County employees and our wider community pay fair prices for insulin.” 

The lawsuit alleges that Bucks County, which runs its own health plan for employees and their families, has paid excessively high prices for insulin and other diabetes medications because of the predatory pricing scheme. The County is seeking financial compensation for overpayments forced upon taxpayers and health plan members as well as a court order to stop the defendants’ unlawful pricing practices going forward. 

The lawsuit was filed concurrently with a consumer protection case against PBMs and manufacturers over insulin prices brought by Bucks County District Attorney Jen Schorn. 

At Friday’s news conference, District Attorney Schorn emphasized the significance of the lawsuits against major PBMs and insulin manufacturers.

“We are dedicated to combating this scheme using all available resources, and I believe there is no more deserving cause to partner with the Bucks County Government Administration in this fight,” she said.

District Attorney Schorn further amplified the urgency of the situation by reading a letter from a close friend whose son lives with type 1 diabetes. “Their words are far more powerful than anything I could say,” she noted.

In the letter, the friend wrote, “Type 1 diabetes is a 100 percent fatal disease, and the only reason my son is here today is because of one thing: insulin. As a mother, I will always worry, in addition to the daily struggles of managing type 1 and the countless possible complications that can accompany this disease. What if someday he cannot afford his insulin? Sadly, many young adults face this realization when they age off their parents’ medical insurance, forcing them to make dire decisions like rationing their insulin. Why has insulin become a privilege in this country? Insulin is not a luxury; it is literally life support.”

Her son’s words resonated deeply: “Insulin is as crucial to me to live as the air you and I breathe.”

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District Attorney News
Posted on: May 16, 2025
Middletown Man Sentenced to State Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

A Middletown Township man was sentenced on Friday, May 16, 2025, in the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas to a state prison term of 2 ½ years to five years.

Shawn Edward Allison, 59, had pleaded guilty in January to charges of possession of child pornography and criminal use of a communication facility.

Common Pleas Judge Charissa J. Liller also sentenced Allison to a consecutive term of 12 years of probation.

The investigation leading to Allison’s arrest began in August 2023 with a Cybertip Report from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding the upload of an image to a cloud storage server. Evidence from the Cybertip included videos that depicted sexual acts with a prepubescent female and an adult male.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: May 15, 2025
Bucks County DA Schorn Unveils State-of-the-Art Ballistics Laboratory

Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer M. Schorn today announced the opening of a new, state-of-the-art ballistics laboratory, which will significantly enhance the county’s ability to analyze firearm-related evidence.

The new ballistics laboratory features a reinforced shooting room, which includes a water tank designed to safely decelerate test-fired bullets and keep them intact for comparison. This technology enables experts to quickly process and compare ballistic samples, and enter data into a national database, expediting criminal investigations.

The lab will work in conjunction with the county’s participation in the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), a tool used by law enforcement to help connect firearms to crime scenes throughout the country by comparing images of fired bullet casings from crime scenes with those from recovered firearms.

“It’s not only solving cases here in Bucks County and surrounding counties, but it is solving cases in surrounding states, so this is a game changer as it relates to combatting gun violence in our community and our surrounding communities,” Schorn said.

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District Attorney News

Posted on: May 14, 2025
Bucks County Bridge Named for Soldier Killed in Vietnam War

The County of Bucks on Tuesday dedicated County-owned Bridge #293 in memory of SP4 Michael Anthony Pastorino, a U.S. Army radio specialist from Bucks County who was killed in action during the Vietnam War.

Pastorino, 20, was fatally wounded Nov. 17, 1969, while part of a combat patrol. He had been drafted in January 1969, a six months later was assigned to U.S. Army Company A, First Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division.

His death came just weeks before he was meant to spend Christmas at home on furlough. Pastorino left behind a fiancée, friends and family including four siblings.

“It is older men who make decisions about going to war, but it is the young men and women who have to pay the sacrifice,” said Commissioner Chair Bob Harvie. “So as we remember Michael and the other veterans that we’ve honored through this program, and the veterans we will continue to honor, let’s hope and pray that we don’t have reason to do many more of these in the future beyond honoring those we’ve lost already.”

The bridge named for Pastorino, who attended Bishop McDevitt High School, crosses Mill Creek along Gravel Hill Road in Upper Southampton Township. It is the fourteenth County-owned bridge since 2022 to be named for a local soldier lost in the Vietnam War.

PHOTO: A member of the Washington Crossing Honor Guard plays “Taps” at the end of a bridge dedication ceremony on May 13, 2025, honoring SP4 Michael Anthony Pastorino, US Army.

The dedications are part of the County’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge Program, which honors the 136 Bucks County residents lost in the Vietnam War. The County administers the program in partnership with Bucks County-based veterans’ advocate Ed Preston, who chairs the Pennsylvania Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (PAVVMF).

See more photos of the dedication ceremony on the County of Bucks Flickr page.

To learn more about the program and the men it is meant to honor, visit BucksCounty.gov/MemorialBridges. 

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: May 14, 2025
DA SCHORN ANNOUNCES ARREST OF FORMER BUCKS COUNTY POLICE OFFICER

District Attorney Jennifer Schorn today announced charges against a former Bucks County police officer for deceiving an elderly Langhorne resident into signing her last will and testament, aiming to gain control of her more than $500,000 estate.  

Carlito Cortez, who worked part time for both the Langhorne Borough Police Department and the Yardley Borough Police Department, surrendered to authorities on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, following the investigation by Bucks County Detectives and the Bucks County 21st Investigating Grand Jury.

Last week, the Grand Jury recommended charges against Cortez, 59, of Richboro, of criminal attempt to commit theft by deception, securing execution of documents by deception, theft by deception, receiving stolen property, false swearing, perjury and official oppression. The Grand Jury presentment was approved by President Judge Raymond F. McHugh.

He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Daniel Baranoski who set bail at $150,000 unsecured. He also ordered that Cortez have no contact with the victim.

Cortez worked as a part-time officer for the Yardley Borough Police Department from 2013 to 2023 and as a part-time officer for the Langhorne Borough Police Department for eight years. He resigned from Langhorne in the fall.

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District Attorney News

Posted on: May 12, 2025
Bucks Co. Sheriff Fred Harran Marks National Police Week 2025

DOYLESTOWN, PA (May 12, 2025) – Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran issued the following statement in recognition of National Police Week 2025:

This week, across our county and our nation, we pause to observe National Police Week. It is a time of solemn remembrance for the courageous law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, protecting our neighborhoods. We also express our profound gratitude to every officer currently serving. Their dedication to duty, often under challenging circumstances, is the bedrock of our community’s safety.

The decision to enter law enforcement is a noble one, demanding immense bravery, dedication, and selflessness. Having dedicated my life to this profession for 39 years, I understand the profound commitment it requires. Every day, the men and women of the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office – as well as the 900+ police officers and nearly 40 agencies serving this county – answer the call to protect our residents, uphold the law, and maintain peace and order. They face complex and often dangerous situations with professionalism and unwavering commitment.

As Sheriff, I am proud to lead a team over 75 sworn deputies vital to the functioning of our justice system, ensuring security in our courthouses, serving warrants, and performing many other essential duties that contribute to the safety and well-being of our citizens. Not a day goes by that I am not inspired by their service and commitment.

This week – and every week – I ask all residents of Bucks County to join me in honoring the memory of fallen officers and expressing appreciation for the dedication of those who continue to serve. A simple word of thanks or a gesture of support can mean a great deal to these brave individuals and their families.

The Bucks County Sheriff’s Office stands united with law enforcement across the country in remembrance and renewed commitment to serving our communities with integrity and courage.

The mission statement of the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office:

The Bucks County Sheriff’s Office is the highest level of law enforcement in our County. Therefore, our Office has dedicated itself to provide superior services in our criminal and civil divisions through innovative programs and a professional, dedicated and inspired staff. In addition, we continually seek ways to provide additional services to our community through outreach and prevention programs which will improve the quality of life of the citizens of our County.

About the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office: Led by Sheriff Frederick A. Harran, the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is a vital law enforcement agency serving the over 630,000 residents of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Sheriff Harran, with over 39 years of law enforcement experience, directs a team of 95 professionals, including 76 sworn deputies, in providing essential services such as court security, warrant execution, civil process, Sheriff’s sales, and gun permit administration. The BCSO is committed to proactive community engagement and strong partnerships with the 39 local police departments and state/federal agencies operating within Bucks County. The office operates 24/7 to ensure public safety and uphold justice. For more information, visit bit.ly/BucksSheriff 

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Sheriff
Posted on: May 12, 2025
Heads Up, Teens! Let’s Make This Season Safe on the Road!

With prom season and graduation celebrations in full swing, our local roads will see more young drivers heading to exciting events. District Attorney Jennifer Schorn recently sat down with Deputy District Attorney Christine Sassane, Chief of the DA’s Crash Investigations Unit, and Chief Crash Investigator Steve Mawhinney to discuss crucial teen driving safety tips.

This is a time for celebration, and we want to ensure everyone arrives at their destinations safely. In a recent informative video, they highlighted some key dangers that teen drivers face, and we want to share those important reminders with you:

• Distracted Driving: It’s easy to get caught up in conversations, music, or your phone, but even a few seconds of distraction can have serious consequences. Keep your focus on the road!

• Speeding: The excitement of events can sometimes lead to rushing, but speeding significantly increases the risk of accidents. Stick to the speed limit and allow plenty of travel time.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: May 12, 2025
National Police Week: Honoring Service and Sacrifice in Bucks County

National Police Week is an annual observance in the United States dedicated to honoring the men and women of law enforcement who have died in the line of duty. It’s a time for the nation, and particularly communities like those in Bucks County, to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the sacrifices made by these brave individuals and their families.

The week includes Peace Officers Memorial Day, observed every year on May 15th.

Each year, National Police Week brings together law enforcement officers, survivors, and supporters from across the country and the world, including many from our own Bucks County communities. The week is filled with various events, ceremonies, and tributes, with local observances often echoing the national events in Washington, D.C. These events serve several important purposes, both nationally and here in Bucks County.

At the heart of National Police Week is the solemn remembrance of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The names of fallen officers are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., and their stories are shared and read aloud during the annual Candlelight Vigil.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: May 9, 2025
Sheriff Harran, State Legislators Launch Advanced Anti-Terror Training for Bucks Co. Law Enforcement

LANGHORNE, PA – Today, Pennsylvania state legislators joined Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran and representatives from Total Security International, LLC (TSI) to announce a critical counter-terrorism training program currently underway for law enforcement officers in the region. The press conference, held at the former Oliver Heckman Elementary School, detailed the “Combat Anti-Terror Training the Israeli Way” program, made possible through state funding secured by State Senator Frank A. Farry and State Representatives Craig Staats, K.C. Tomlinson, Kristin Marcell, Shelby Labs, and Joe Hogan.

The intensive, three-day training program is designed to equip officers with proactive engagement strategies and advanced tactical skills based on proven Israeli security methods. Total Security International, LLC, staffed by instructors with extensive backgrounds in elite Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Special Forces and the Shabak (Israel Security Agency), is leading multiple training sessions throughout May, accommodating 120 officers. The training is provided at no cost to agencies. 

“In today’s world, providing our deputies and local officers with the most advanced training possible is not a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said Sheriff Harran. “This program brings world-class expertise directly to our community, enhancing our local officers’ and SRO’s ability to respond effectively to critical incidents and protect our communities – especially our schools. We are grateful for the hard work and state funding provided by our local lawmakers that made this possible.

The training begins with classroom instruction on Israeli counter-terror perspectives, threat identification, and intelligence gathering. Day two focuses on advanced technical and operational shooting techniques on the range. The final day involves practical tactical exercises conducted in a school setting, utilizing the Langhorne location to simulate real-world scenarios.

“One of our top priorities is ensuring our communities remain safe and that our law enforcement officers have the tools and training they need to respond effectively to any situation,” said Sen. Farry. “I’m proud to have partnered with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to secure funding for this specialized training. While we hope our officers never need to use this training, they’ll be fully prepared to respond if necessary and help keep our residents and students safe”

“Our training focuses on developing a proactive ‘Total Security Mindset’ based on decades of Israeli experience. We teach not just tactical shooting, but how to identify threats early, gather intelligence, and engage decisively,” said Gideon Lapin, Founder & CEO of Total Security International – a retired IDF Infantry Captain with over 20 years of active & reserve service. “Our team’s background in Israel’s leading security and special forces units allows us to provide realistic, effective training right to the front lines here in Bucks County.”

About the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office: Led by Sheriff Frederick A. Harran, the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is a vital law enforcement agency serving the over 630,000 residents of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Sheriff Harran, with nearly 40 years of law enforcement experience, directs a team of 95 professionals, including 76 sworn deputies, in providing essential services such as court security, warrant execution, civil process, Sheriff’s sales, and gun permit administration. The BCSO is committed to proactive community engagement and strong partnerships with the 39 local police departments and state/federal agencies operating within Bucks County. The office operates 24/7 to ensure public safety and uphold justice. For more information, visit bit.ly/BucksSheriff 

About Total Security International, LLC (TSI): Total Security International, LLC specializes in combat security training – “The Israeli Way” (Israeli Mindset). TSI takes a proactive engagement approach with a single fighter doctrine. TSI focuses on developing a Total Security mindset, resulting in the development of greater confidence for participants when engaging in active incidents. Their team consists of veterans from Israel’s security establishment, including the Shabak (equivalent to the FBI & Secret Service) and IDF Special Forces (equivalent to Navy Seals and Delta Force), possessing extensive combat, counter-terror, and training experience. ###

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Sheriff
Posted on: May 9, 2025
Statement in Response to Sheriff’s Claims

Sheriff Harran’s claims regarding Commissioner Harvie’s comments during this week’s meeting are entirely dishonest, wholly offensive and arguably libelous. The Commissioner’s comments, which notably went unquoted in the Sheriff’s statement, discussed the heroic spirit of the United States that drove our nation’s victory over the forces of evil and fascism in Europe during World War II. 

If the Sheriff sees himself portrayed on the wrong side of those comments, then perhaps that says more about him and his intentions than it does about Commissioner Harvie. 

The County of Bucks is proudly home to many thousands of Jewish residents, and we honor their experience, including their incredible endurance in the face of unspeakable horrors. We do not twist their pain to score political points in an election year. For doing just that, the Sheriff’s statement is as insulting as it is absurd. 

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: May 7, 2025 | Last Modified on: May 7, 2025
Perry Sentenced for 2020 Murder of Shaquille Love in Bristol Township

Kelvontae Nasheed Perry, the 30-year-old man convicted of third-degree murder in the 2020 killing of Shaquille Love of Bristol Township, was sentenced today, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, to 21 ½ to 44 years in state prison.

The sentencing by Common Pleas Judge Wallace H. Bateman Jr. follows Perry’s conviction in December after a three-day waiver trial. Perry was found guilty of conspiring with others to shoot and kill Love. In addition to third-degree murder, Perry was also convicted of aggravated assault, firearms not to be carried without a license, possession of an instrument of crime, possession of a weapon, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

During Wednesday’s court proceedings, Chief Deputy District Attorney Kristin M. McElroy described Shaquille Love as an innocent victim caught in the crossfire of a long-standing and violent feud between rival Bristol Township neighborhoods. “He was a good kid, not running the streets and he had plans to serve this country,” McElroy said, adding that this potential was extinguished by “senseless violence set in motion by the defendant.”

The investigation revealed that Love, who was not involved in the neighborhood conflict, was giving a friend a ride when they encountered a vehicle driven by Perry and occupied by another individual. Love’s passenger and Perry, along with his passenger, were associated with the rival groups.

“Shaquille Love paid the ultimate price for helping out a friend,” McElroy emphasized during the trial.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: May 6, 2025
Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran Launches New Podcast

DOYLESTOWN, PA (APRIL 6) – Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran is proud to announce the launch of Law & Order: BUX, a new podcast providing residents an unprecedented look into the world of law enforcement, justice, and public safety in Bucks County. Hosted by Sheriff Harran, the podcast aims to foster greater transparency and understanding between the Sheriff’s Office and the community it serves.

“For nearly 40 years, I’ve worked with the men and women of law enforcement agencies across the county and seen the vital work they do, often behind the scenes, to keep our communities safe,” said Sheriff Harran. “Much of this crucial work, the challenges faced, and the complex decisions made daily go unnoticed by the public. With Law & Order: BUX, I want to open the door and offer listeners a real, unfiltered look at what it takes to uphold law and order in our neighborhoods.”

Law & Order: BUX will explore a wide range of topics pertinent to law enforcement in Bucks County, including the operations of the Sheriff’s Office, in-depth discussions on local government, the role of technology in modern policing, and how law enforcement agencies collaborate with each other and with the community. The podcast will also delve into the complexities and sometimes difficult realities faced by officers, providing context and insight into the challenges inherent in the job. Future episodes will feature Sheriff Harran in conversation with deputies, investigators, experts from various fields within the justice system, and partners from other agencies. These discussions will aim to educate listeners on the strategies, protocols, and human elements involved in ensuring public safety in a dynamic environment.

The podcast is another initiative driven by Sheriff Harran’s commitment to engaging with the public and providing accurate information about the vital services provided by the Sheriff’s Office and the broader law enforcement community in Bucks County.

A preview episode of Law & Order: BUX is available now wherever you get your podcasts, with the first full episode scheduled for release on the week of May 11 to coincide with National Police Week. Future episodes will also broadcast on WBCB 1490AM/107.3FM.

About the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office: Led by Sheriff Frederick A. Harran, the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is a vital law enforcement agency serving the over 630,000 residents of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Sheriff Harran, with over 38 years of law enforcement experience, directs a team of 95 professionals, including 76 sworn deputies, in providing essential services such as court security, warrant execution, civil process, Sheriff’s sales, and gun permit administration. The BCSO is committed to proactive community engagement and strong partnerships with the 39 local police departments and state/federal agencies operating within Bucks County. The office operates 24/7 to ensure public safety and uphold justice. For more information, visit bit.ly/BucksSheriff 

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Sheriff
Posted on: May 6, 2025
Scam Alert: Don’t Fall Victim to Imposter Scams!

This afternoon, the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office received a concerning report from a county resident who was targeted by a scam involving an individual impersonating law enforcement.

The county resident received a phone call claiming there was a warrant for their arrest, which could be resolved by paying a significant sum of money. The resident was threatened with immediate arrest if payment was not made. Adding to the deception, the scammer then sent the resident a text message containing a fabricated photo of what appeared to be an arrest warrant.

Tragically, the resident, fearing legal repercussions, complied with the demands and paid the scammer. Our office and the victim’s local police department are in the process of investigating this case.

This is a stark reminder that scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their tactics. They often prey on fear and urgency to trick unsuspecting individuals into sending money or personal information.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: May 3, 2025
Man Sentenced for Violent Comic Book Store Robbery

A Michigan man was sentenced on Friday, May 2, 2025, to the 10½ to 25 years in state prison for his role in the violent robbery of the Comic Collection bookstore in Lower Southampton Township in September 2022.

Caleb James-Lorenze Simpson, 36, of Clarklake, Michigan, entered a guilty plea in March to charges of robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and aggravated assault.

Simpson’s sentencing follows the guilty plea and sentencing of his co-defendant, Zackery Maximus Tucker, 23, of Quincy, Michigan, who was sentenced on March 14, 2025, by Common Pleas Judge Stephen A. Corr to five to 12 years in state prison for his role in the same robbery. Tucker was also ordered to have no contact with the victim or his family and the Comic Collection store and to pay restitution of $20,029.88.

In addition to the state prison sentence, Simpson also received a concurrent term of 20 years of probation.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: May 1, 2025
STRAW PURCHASER SENTENCED TO 8-20 YEARS IN STATE PRISON; ONE GUN SHE SOLD USED IN PHILLY HOMICIDE

A straw purchase scheme that put deadly weapons on the streets resulted in an eight-to-20-year prison sentence for a Delaware County woman on Thursday.

Demia Burell-Brinkley, 31, of Lansdowne, was sentenced for illegally buying four firearms in Bucks and Montgomery counties, with one of them later used in a Philadelphia homicide.

She pleaded guilty in March to four counts each of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, making false statements on firearm purchase forms, unlawful sales of firearms, sales to an ineligible transferee, firearm ownership – duty of other persons, and criminal conspiracy.

In addition to the state prison sentence, Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey L. Finley also ordered her not to possess any firearms or ammunition.

This investigation found that the defendant purchased four firearms on three occasions from July 2020 to May 2022 and sold them for $200 each.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: April 30, 2025
Bucks County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Brian Zenszer, 44, of Warminster, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Court Judge Harvey Bartle III on one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

Zenszer was charged by indictment in December of last year.

As presented in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, on or about July 21, 2024, Zenszer knowingly distributed a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and, on or about November 6, 2024, possessed a Samsung cellular phone containing visual depictions of minors, including one or more prepubescent minors who had not attained 12 years of age, engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The charges arose from two CyberTips reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding two accounts on the Kik messaging app that had uploaded suspected files of child pornography. Investigators determined both accounts belonged to Zenszer.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: April 29, 2025
BUCKS COUNTY MEDICATION COLLECTION A SUCCESS

DOYLESTOWN, PA – On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Bucks County Law Enforcement officers collected unused, expired medications and sharps for safe disposal as part of Bucks County’s local observation of the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. 10,303.37 pounds of medications, vaping products and 1,005.75 pounds of sharps were collected from 48 public sites including: police headquarters, businesses, libraries, fire departments, hospitals, and municipal buildings. 

Since 2010, 241,272.87 pounds of medications have been collected and incinerated. NARCAN® (Naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray, a nasal form of naloxone for the emergency treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose, was also available for local pick up at seven of the collection sites. For more information about how Bucks residents can obtain Narcan at no cost, please visit bcdac.org, email [email protected] or call 215-444-2700.

It is important to follow safe practices with all medications. This includes storing medications properly, taking medications only as prescribed, not sharing with others, and safely disposing of both prescribed and over-the-counter medications in a local medication drop box or at a Take Back collection event. 

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District Attorney News
Posted on: April 29, 2025
MAN CHARGED WITH TERRORIZING RESIDENTS IN BUCKINGHAM NEIGHBORHOOD BEFORE OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING

A Philadelphia man faces numerous charges after terrorizing a Buckingham Township neighborhood on Saturday, which escalated into an armed confrontation with a township police officer who subsequently discharged his weapon.

William Francis Campbell, 50, was charged with five counts of recklessly endangering another person, four counts each of terroristic threats, simple assault and harassment, two counts each of burglary and possession of an instrument of crime, and one count each of aggravated assault, criminal trespassing, criminal mischief, driving an unregistered vehicle, careless driving, and driving at unsafe speeds.

Campbell was arraigned at his hospital bed Tuesday morning by Magisterial District Judge Maggie Snow who set bail at $250,000, 10 percent. His bail conditions included no contact with the victims, a mental health evaluation and for him to only take prescribed medication as directed.

This case is being investigated by Bucks County Detectives, as is protocol with all officer-involved shootings in the county. District Attorney Jennifer Schorn will review their findings and issue a determination upon the investigation’s conclusion.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: April 28, 2025
Sheriff Harran Holds Field Hearing on Protecting Students Online, Announces Pilot Program

NORTHAMPTON TWP., PA (APRIL 28, 2025) – Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran joined county officials, state legislators, and community stakeholders for field hearing today at the Northampton Township Building focused on enhancing online safety for students in Bucks County. Titled “Protecting Bucks County Students Online: A Field Hearing on Solutions and Legislative Action,” the event aimed to address the urgent need for state legislation to improve digital literacy and enhance prevention measures to protect minors from harmful online content and crimes.

The hearing – held during National Child Abuse Prevention Month – serves as a critical step in a legislative campaign. Concurrently with these efforts, Sheriff Harran announced that a pilot program was in the works with a local school district, with technological implementation in the works with a goal of launching later this fall. The program would engage students and educators with the “Deputy” app by Skyll as part of an online safety curriculum similar to a West Virgina law (S.466) passed last year.

“With nearly 40 years in law enforcement, I know how crucial it is to address the real dangers our children face online every day,” said Harran. “Today’s hearing allowed leaders from across the county to hear compelling testimony that underscores the urgent need for proactive solutions, not just reactions. It’s imperative that we move forward with a pilot program to equip our schools and parents with better tools to protect students and show the need for both legislative action and education-based prevention efforts.”  

Expert testimony was presented outlining the risks children face online – including the rise in sextortion cases. Witnesses included Mary Worthington, M.Ed. – Director of Prevention and Training, Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA); Graeme Page – Founder, Skyll/Board Member, Safe Surfin’ Foundation; West Virginia State Senator Vince Deeds – Co-Sponsor of S. 466, a former WV State Trooper, and a prosecutor. (Bios attached) Discussions addressed the practical implementation and feasibility of proposed protective measures, the role of parents and educators in understanding and addressing the issues facing children online, and what steps can – and should – be taken locally.

“Looking through my NOVA lens, I can attest our continuously evolving digital world is placing children and adolescents at risk and victimization to a variety of negative and potentially dangerous exposures that are often of a sexual nature. Reports show that 20% of teenage internet users say they have been the target of unwanted sexual solicitation, and according to Thorn’s 2022 report, 1 in 3 minors reported engaging in some form of online sexual interaction,” said Worthington in her testimony.  “We have seen firsthand technology’s role facilitating Sexual Violence and its impact on victims and their families, from online grooming and sextortion to the alarming increase in AI-generated child sexual abuse images. The internet is an ever-changing landscape and presents significant risks; we must prioritize educating our youth about these risks and harms. We strongly advocate for legislation that requires continuing online safety education programs.”

Following testimonies, the panel – including Sheriff Harran, Bucks County District Attorney Jen Schorn, PA Rep. Kristen Marcell, PA Rep. Joe Hogan, a representative from PA Sen. Frank Farry’s office, Northampton Twp. Chief of Police Steve LeCompte, and Northampton Twp. Chairman Adam Selisker – engaged in a question-and-answer session on a variety of topics.

“This event marks a significant starting point. The conversations and evidence presented here provide a strong foundation for legislative action in Pennsylvania. But we don’t need to wait to address this challenge in Bucks Co. – we want to provide the launching pad for action with education and prevention efforts,” added Harran. “We are committed to working with our state legislators, educators, parents, and community leaders to see meaningful digital safety measures enacted to safeguard our children’s well-being.”  

Watch the full hearing HERE.

About the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office: Led by Sheriff Frederick A. Harran, the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is a vital law enforcement agency serving the over 630,000 residents of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Sheriff Harran, with over 38 years of law enforcement experience, directs a team of 95 professionals, including 76 sworn deputies, in providing essential services such as court security, warrant execution, civil process, Sheriff’s sales, and gun permit administration. The BCSO is committed to proactive community engagement and strong partnerships with the 39 local police departments and state/federal agencies operating within Bucks County. The office operates 24/7 to ensure public safety and uphold justice. For more information, visit bit.ly/BucksSheriff 

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Sheriff
Posted on: April 28, 2025 | Last Modified on: April 28, 2025
Statement on Abuse Allegations at Jamison Elementary

When the allegations of abuse at Jamison Elementary School originally came through ChildLine, it was designated as “law enforcement only,” meaning the Bucks County Children & Youth Social Services Agency was not assigned to investigate. The case was referred to the Warwick Police Department and the Bucks County District Attorney who investigated and determined it did not rise to criminality.  

Having only recently been able to read the disturbing report detailing potential serious child abuse allegations, Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia, a licensed social worker, believed the case should have been referred back to Children & Youth once the law enforcement investigation was completed.  

So, Commissioner Marseglia, in her capacity as a licensed social worker and legally mandated reporter of child abuse and neglect, reported the case back to ChildLine over the weekend.  

The Commissioner is hopeful that Children & Youth will be assigned to investigate. The County has no further comment on this matter at this time.

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: April 24, 2025
(BLOG) Partnership for a Safer Bucks County: Fully Utilizing the Sheriff’s Office
By: Sheriff Fred Harran

Throughout my nearly four decades in law enforcement, one thing has always been clear: community safety is best served through collaboration and strategic deployment of all available resources. It’s this experience I brought with me to the Courthouse when I became your Sheriff in 2022.

By better utilizing funding, increasing staffing, and expanding programs and services, we’ve ensured this office is a visible, fully engaged, and integral partner in the county’s broader public safety network. I firmly believe our deputies possess unique skills, training, and jurisdictional reach, making them an invaluable partner to local police, municipalities, and our state and federal counterparts. We are a county-wide law enforcement agency, committed to acting as such.

Our application for participation in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 287(g) “task force model” is a direct extension of this commitment – a deliberate step to enhance our ability to protect residents by working with federal authorities within the course of our duties.

A Common-Sense Update to Keep Communities Safe

This program serves as a common-sense, targeted tool within our existing criminal justice process, specifically designed to assist us in handling individuals who have committed crimes and have warrants in Bucks County and are also present without legal authorization.

Our involvement in the 287(g) task force model is a narrowly defined initiative focused on public safety. It permits a handful of trained deputies to utilize a federal immigration information database solely for individuals taken into custody based on existing criminal charges and outstanding Bucks County warrants. The program is strictly limited to individuals already within the criminal justice process and does not authorize our deputies to perform general immigration enforcement functions in the community or inquire about immigration status during routine interactions. Crucially, we have and will continue to maintain open lines of communication with the immigrant community, faith leaders, and other community stakeholders to ensure the initiative’s purpose is clear and its effectiveness shared.

Those who break the law should face the consequences of their actions – regardless of immigration status. This initiative strategically augments overall law enforcement capacity, ensuring resources are utilized effectively to protect our communities.

This also means meaningful fiscal savings. The cost of specialized training for our deputies is fully covered by the federal government. Furthermore, transferring these individuals to federal custody frees Bucks County taxpayers from the financial costs of local jailing and transport, allowing our highly-skilled deputies to focus on their other duties.

Our PLEAC accreditation and commitment to rigorous training and proactive policing ensure our personnel are equipped with the necessary skills and professionalism to meet evolving challenges. As a result, our agency has never been more capable of its multifaceted mission. We possess the personnel, expertise, and dedication to handle a wide spectrum of responsibilities, including active participation in collaborative task forces like the 287(g) model.

The Power of Partnership

When it comes to policing, the power of partnership cannot be overstated.

Our community’s 39 police agencies routinely participate in multi-jurisdictional task forces, integrating local responsibilities with broader initiatives to protect our neighborhoods. With our county-wide jurisdiction and highly trained personnel, the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office should operate with that same spirit, contributing fully to collective public safety efforts – whether with ICE or anyone else where goals align.

This isn’t new, either. Our office’s track record demonstrates our capacity and commitment to interagency cooperation. We maintain strong working relationships with federal agencies like Homeland Security and the U.S. Marshals Service, collaborating on initiatives that enhance regional safety.

My vision for the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office is complete integration and robust partnership within the broader public safety landscape with one goal: keeping our community safe. By continuing to work together, fostering open communication, and fully leveraging the distinct capabilities of all our law enforcement partners – including the exceptionally capable men and women of the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office – we can collectively build a safer, more secure future for every member of our community.

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About the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office: Led by Sheriff Frederick A. Harran, the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is a vital law enforcement agency serving the over 630,000 residents of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Sheriff Harran directs a team of 95 professionals, including 76 sworn deputies, in providing essential services such as court security, warrant execution, civil process, Sheriff’s sales, and gun permit administration. The BCSO is committed to proactive community engagement and strong partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies. The office operates 24/7 to ensure public safety and uphold justice. For more information, visit bit.ly/BucksSheriff

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Sheriff
Posted on: April 24, 2025 | Last Modified on: April 24, 2025
BUCKS COUNTY MEDICATION COLLECTION: LAW ENFORCEMENT RECOGNITION

The Bucks County Medication Collection Committee, Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc., and the District Attorney’s office would like to commend Chief Richard J. Ficco, Sr. for his commitment to community safety and the Medication Collection initiative ahead of his retirement announced for fall of 2025.

Chief Ficco began his Law Enforcement career with the East Rockhill Township Police in 1986. He then was hired by Richland Township Police in 1999. In 2010, Chief Ficco was installed as the acting Chief of Police in Richland Township, and as a result was officially hired as Chief in July of 2011.

Chief Ficco has been involved with Medication Take Back since 2010, and ordered the first Drug Take Back Box in Bucks County in May of 2011.  “I have watched this program grow each year. I believe we had 15 lbs. at our first med return in 2010,” Chief Ficco said. “In our last return, we had 205 lbs. collected on the designated collection date, and 153 lbs. collected through the [permanent] med return box in our lobby. It is obvious that the program has grown just based off these numbers and it has kept so much of these meds from infiltrating our ground water.”

Congratulations to Chief Ficco for his many years supporting the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in Bucks County.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: April 24, 2025
MIDDLETOWN MAN CONVICTED OF HAVING OVER 100 IMAGES, VIDEOS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL

A 23-year-old man was convicted on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, of possessing more than 100 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material.

Mark Anthony McKay Jr., of Trenton Road, Middletown Township, was found guilty of possession of child pornography and criminal use of a communication facility following a waiver trial before President Judge Raymond F. McHugh.

McHugh deferred sentencing until June 25. 

This investigation began in March 2022 after Bucks County Detectives received a cybertip report from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), alleging a Dropbox user uploaded multiple videos and images depicting child pornography to the Dropbox server.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: April 24, 2025
MORE VICTIMS IDENTIFIED IN HULMEVILLE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION CASE

A 60-year-old man charged earlier this year with creating fake online identities to lure underage girls into sending him sexually inappropriate videos is facing additional charges after more victims were identified.

Mark William Wills, of Hulmeville, will now face charges related to eight victims. This investigation, led by Bucks County Detectives, found that Wills, using the identity of a teenage boy, would engage in chat and video conversations with the underage females and direct them to undress and perform sex acts. He would then share the images and videos on other social media platforms.

Wills appeared for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, and waived all charges before Magisterial District Judge Daniel Baranoski.

He faces charges of manufacturing and disseminating child sexual abuse material, possession of child pornography, unlawful contact with a minor, and dissemination of sexually explicit materials to minors.

District Attorney Jennifer Schorn announced charges at a February news conference. At the time, investigators were able to identity four victims, but have since identified four more. All the victims are from out of state and Canada, with the youngest being 10 years old.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: April 24, 2025
Statement regarding Jamison Elementary, Central Bucks School District

Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn:

“It is my and our Chief of Special Victims Unit’s life work to identify and prosecute individuals who abuse children. You will not find fiercer advocates for the protection of children and those with disabilities. As prosecutors, we took an oath to review any allegations of abuse dispassionately with the law as our guide. 

The report by Disability Rights Pennsylvania identifies recommendations for the school district to consider, which include staff and administrator discipline, training, policy development, and additional safeguards for the safety and rights of students with disabilities. 

As the district attorney, it is not my place to weigh in on non-criminal matters. To do anything beyond that would be beyond the scope of my statutory authority.”

“The Bucks County District’s Attorney’s Office vows to continue to be vigilant in prosecuting criminal acts of child abuse.”

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District Attorney News
Posted on: April 23, 2025 | Last Modified on: April 23, 2025
Bucks County Parks Launches Youth Survey

Bucks County Parks and Recreation is calling on younger county residents to help shape the future of the Bucks County Parks System. 

As part of its ongoing Comprehensive Recreation, Parks and Open Space Plan project, Parks and Recreation this week launched a brief survey aimed at teenagers and young adults in the Bucks County community to gather their ideas for creating better parks. 

“One of the most important parts of a comprehensive planning process is hearing from the public themselves,” said Parks and Recreation Director Angie Nagle. “We want to know what you like about the parks, the changes you want to see and how important parks are to your daily lives.” 

Last summer, the County heard from more than 2,200 community members through an online survey and pop-up events. The County is now broadening its outreach to make sure every voice is heard with a new youth survey. 

To take the survey, click here. To learn more about the plan, visit the Comprehensive Recreation, Parks, and Open Space Plan (CRPOS) webpage. 

The goal of the Comprehensive Recreation, Parks and Open Space (CRPOS) Plan is to rethink the County’s parks, open space and natural resources as one cohesive system with the same principles:  

• Sustainability and Environment  
• Accessibility, Connectivity, Equity and Inclusion  
• Adaptability to Current and Future Needs  
• Long-Term Maintenance and Stewardship 

The plan will provide forward-thinking recommendations for improving the Bucks County Park System, which spans more than 9,000 acres and includes parks, recreational facilities, historic sites and nature centers. 

In addition to the survey, Parks and Recreation will host a pair of open house events next month to share early recommendations from the plan and to gather feedback on proposed improvements. 

The first event will be 6 – 8 p.m. May 7 at Silver Lake Nature Center, 1306 Bath Road, Bristol Township. 

The second will be held from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. May 8 in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room at the Bucks County Administration Building, 55 E. Court Street, Doylestown.  

To learn more about the Bucks County Parks System visit BucksCounty.gov/Parks. 

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: April 22, 2025
Sheriff Harran Statement on Common Sense Community Safety Efforts

DOYLESTOWN, PA – Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran released the following statement on the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office’s common sense efforts to protect Bucks County communities:

My office’s priority is straightforward: ensuring the safety of the people of Bucks County. 

With nearly 40 years in law enforcement, I know that public safety is a team sport and it’s crucial agencies work together toward common goals in our community. That’s why we are participating in the ICE 287(g) ‘task force model.’ This is a focused effort to identify and address individuals who have committed crimes within our county. I’ll work with anyone who wants to address those who threaten the safety of our neighborhoods where we can. But I answer to the people of Bucks County, not Washington, DC. The federal government has a role to play and the cost of deportation or ICE operations will not fall on Bucks County taxpayers.

The fact is, this is what we do. We already collaborate with ICE within our correctional facilities, identifying and processing inmates who are in the country illegally. The 287(g) ‘task force model’ allows us to extend this targeted approach into the community, focusing on individuals actively involved in criminal behavior. This is just another tool to enhance public safety – and one that means savings for Bucks County taxpayers as these criminals would be transferred to federal ICE facilities, not our jail.

Our deputies assigned to this task force will receive specialized training to ensure this work is done effectively and within the bounds of the law and always within the scope of their responsibilities. We are committed to keeping Bucks County safe, and this initiative is a practical way to achieve that goal. We’re not backing down from our responsibility to protect our community.

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Sheriff
Posted on: April 17, 2025
BUCKS COUNTY TREATMENT COURTS RECEIVE NATIONAL RECOGNITION

This month marks the graduation of another group of participants in the Bucks County Wellness and Recovery Court programs, so it is with great pride that we share news of a recent significant honor bestowed upon our county’s treatment court program.

Earlier this year, the Bucks County Treatment Court was given the distinguished honor of being named a National Mentor Court for a 3-year term (2025-2027), becoming only one of 10 adult treatment courts in the country with such an honor.

The Bucks County Treatment Court offers a voluntary pathway for Bucks County residents in the justice system whose involvement stems from substance use and/or mental health disorders. The Recovery Court, formerly known as Drug Court, was established in 2010 and a mental health court, now known as the Wellness Court, was created in 2021.

Participants are provided with treatment, resources, and support aimed at fostering their reintegration as productive community members, lowering rates of re-offending, offering an alternative to jail, and enhancing the well-being and security of both the participants and the wider public.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: April 14, 2025
Honoring the Unseen Heroes: National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

From the Desk of Sheriff Fred Harran:

This week, April 13th to 19th, 2025, marks National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW). It’s a dedicated time for us at the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office, and indeed for communities across the nation, to pause and recognize the incredible individuals who serve as the vital first point of contact in emergencies – our public safety telecommunicators.

Often unseen and unheard by the public after the initial call, these dedicated professionals are the calm, guiding voice in moments of crisis. They are the true “first, first responders.” When a resident of Bucks County dials 911, it’s a telecommunicator who answers, ready to assess the situation, gather critical details, dispatch the necessary police, fire, or EMS personnel, and often provide life-saving instructions until help arrives on scene.

Their ability to remain composed under immense pressure, multitask effectively, and show compassion to people experiencing potentially the worst day of their lives is nothing short of extraordinary. They are the lifeline not only for the public but also for our deputies and other first responders in the field, ensuring they have the accurate, real-time information needed to do their jobs safely and effectively.

The dedication and professionalism of our public safety telecommunicators here in Bucks County are indispensable. They work around the clock, handling stressful situations with skill and empathy. Their commitment ensures that calls for help are answered swiftly and that our deputies and community members are kept safe. On behalf of the entire Bucks County Sheriff’s Office, I extend our deepest gratitude for their unwavering service and sacrifice.

The Bucks County Sheriff’s Office works closely with the communications centers serving our county. We understand the challenges they face and deeply appreciate their partnership in maintaining public safety.

So, this week, please join the BCSO in thanking these unsung heroes. Their commitment, resilience, and skill make Bucks County a safer place for everyone.

Thank you, Bucks County Telecommunicators, for your vital service!

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Sheriff
Posted on: April 14, 2025
Standing United Against Antisemitism in Bucks County

Bucks County is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. It’s a community known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and most importantly, its people. We pride ourselves on being welcoming and inclusive, a place where everyone fe…

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Sheriff
Posted on: April 11, 2025
Ep. 23: Sustainability: “Bang for the buck”

In 2021, the Bucks County Planning Commission’s role in County government expanded to include sustainability staffers with the goal of reducing the county’s carbon footprint and figuring out how to be more sustainable. Just a couple of years later, the County Commissioners passed a pretty monumental agreement for the department called the Sustainable Energy Partnership of Southeast Pennsylvania. The County of Bucks spends over $1 million in energy costs each year for its multi-building operations, and taxpayers deserve the best bang for their buck. 

In this episode, we’ll chat with Evan Stone, Executive Director of the Bucks County Planning Commission and frequent guest of the podcast, about his department’s functions and his specific interest in stormwater management. And later, we’ll chat with Neale Doughtery, Director of Sustainability, and Cassandra Goodmansen, Environmental Planner, about their plans to help a county workforce of over 2,000 go green. 

Bucks County Conversations is a podcast that captures real conversations happening within Bucks County’s government. Each episode features topical, important discussions about the county, including key points of the Bucks County Commissioners’ meeting, and discussion of new projects, initiatives and upcoming events. Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Media Contact: Charlotte Reese, 215-348-6430, [email protected] 

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: April 10, 2025
Commissioners Address Proposed SEPTA Service Cuts

Joint statement from the Board of Bucks County Commissioners:

The Bucks County Commissioners are aware of the proposed cuts to SEPTA service announced this morning. These cuts would come as an enormous blow to thousands of county residents and hundreds of businesses who rely on regional rail and bus service to support their livelihoods.  

The negative effects would not be isolated to our region. Southeastern Pennsylvania is the economic engine of the Commonwealth, and mass transit is its lifeblood. The economic consequences of these cuts would be as far reaching as they are devastating.  

We hope for a quick resolution that invests in reliable mass transit in our region and throughout the Commonwealth. 

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: April 9, 2025
MAN CONVICTED OF RAPE, SEXUAL ASSAULT OF GIRL IN BRISTOL TOWNSHIP

A 39-year-old man was convicted on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, for the rape and sexual assault of a girl in Bristol Township.

Following a three-day trial, Charles J. Sylvester, of King of Prussia, was found guilty by a Bucks County jury of rape of child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors, and two counts of indecent assault.

Following the conviction, Common Pleas Judge Charissa J. Liller revoked Sylvester’s bail and deferred his sentencing so the Pennsylvania Sexual Offenders Assessment Board can recommend whether Sylvester meets the criteria to be declared a sexually violent predator.

The Bristol Township Police Department began an investigation in the beginning of 2024. The crimes occurred between 2015 and 2018 when the victim and her family lived in Bristol Township.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: April 8, 2025
DA: KENTUCKY MAN CHARGED WITH SEX TRAFFICKING OF BUCKS COUNTY GIRL; TWO CHARGED WITH SEX ASSAULT

A Kentucky man was charged with sex trafficking a 13-year-old Bucks County girl, coercing the victim through fear to engage in sexual intercourse with two adult males in October.

Zachary Lee McCauley, 29, of Louisville, was charged with one count each of trafficking in individuals, sexual exploitation of children, corruption of minors and criminal use of a communication facility, and three counts each of unlawful contact with a minor and sexual abuse of children.

McCauley was also charged with solicitation to commit statutory sexual assault, solicitation to commit involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, solicitation to commit patronizing victim of sexual servitude, solicitation to commit aggravated indecent assault, and solicitation to commit sexual abuse of children.

McCauley is currently in custody in Kentucky and awaiting extradition.

This investigation conducted by Bucks County Detectives found that McCauley groomed and coerced the victim into having sexual encounters with two adult males, ages 67 and 42, three times during the month of October 2024. At least one of the encounters was video recorded through a Snapchat video call.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: April 1, 2025
BOE Advises Caution with Unsolicited Election Correspondence

The Bucks County Board of Elections (BOE) reminds voters to remain vigilant when interacting with unsolicited election mail, email and text messages. 

A county resident last week notified the Board of Elections Office of an email originating from a Gmail address titled “BucksCounty Elections” that advocated for political candidates of one political party in the May 20 municipal primary election and encouraged the recipient to click a link to apply for a mail-in ballot. 

It was understandably unclear to the recipient, who had already applied for a ballot, whether this message was an official communication from the County. BOE wishes to clarify that this was not official Board of Elections correspondence. 

“While this message does not appear to be malicious or even necessarily intended to mislead, it did cause some concern on the part of a voter that we were happy to clear up,” said Board of Elections Director Tyler Burns. “I hope this can serve as a reminder to Bucks County voters that the Board of Elections and our staff are here to help.” 

BOE asks residents to take note of the following: 

• The Board of Elections rarely corresponds via email with voters; When it does, those emails typically come in response to questions emailed to BOE or regarding specific elections matters, such as poll worker assignments or mail-in ballot issues 
• Any emails originating from the Bucks County Board of Elections will contain either the suffix “buckscounty[dot]org” or “buckscounty[dot]gov,” never from a Gmail or similar non-government address 
• The Board of Elections Office will never emphasize support for one candidate or political party over another 
• Cybersecurity experts recommend against clicking links in emails or text messages if they were received unexpectedly, or if the recipient is unsure who sent them  

If in doubt about any election-related communication, call the Board of Elections Office at 215-348-6154. 

To learn more about voting in Bucks County, visit BucksCounty.gov/Elections. 

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: April 1, 2025
Woman Sent to County Jail for Wrongfully Accusing Man of Attempted Rape and Kidnapping in Middletown

A 20-year-old woman was sentenced on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, to 45 days to 23 months in Bucks County Correctional Facility for filing a false police report about an attempted rape and kidnapping in the parking lot of the Redner’s in Middletown Township last year.

Anjela Borisova Urumova’s lies led to an innocent man being jailed for a month.

Urumova, of Bristol Township, pled guilty in January to seven misdemeanor counts: one count each of false alarm to an agency of public safety and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, two counts of false reports and three counts of unsworn falsification to authorities.

In addition to the county jail sentence, Common Pleas Judge Stephen A. Corr sentenced the defendant to one year of probation, and ordered her to undergo a mental health evaluation, have no contact with the victim or his family and pay $3,600 in restitution to the victim. 

“Not only did this targeted false report impact the victim and his family in unimaginable ways, but there is also a profound ripple effect,” District Attorney Jennifer Schorn said. “A crime like this can shatter the community’s confidence in the system. It can jeopardize prosecutions of legitimate crimes of sexual violence.”

“The prosecution and sentence of this defendant for a malicious false report demonstrates that this will not be tolerated.”     

The victim was in court for the sentencing, sitting with his wife and mother. Chief Deputy District Attorney Kristin M. McElroy said they did not wish to give any statements because the case was still too emotional for them.

McElroy said this was not the typical false reports case. “In this case, she targeted an innocent man and accused him of one of the worst crimes a person can be accused of.”

Both McElroy and Judge Corr thanked detectives for continuing to investigate the case, leading to the discovery of the false accusation by the defendant.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the work that law enforcement did in this case to get down to what happened, but it can’t change the fact that a man spent 31 days sleeping in a cell for a crime he didn’t commit,” McElroy said.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: March 31, 2025
Recovery Court Designated ‘National Mentor Court’

On behalf of the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas, President Judge Raymond McHugh is proud to announce that Bucks County Recovery Court has been honored as one of ten adult treatment courts designated as a National Mentor Court for a 3-year term (2025-2027). 

The selection from AllRise (allrise.org), formerly the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP), involved a thorough evaluation of whether the courts’ policies and procedures are in accordance with best practices, as well as an in-person assessment from an AllRise director. 

As a mentor court, Bucks County Recovery Court will provide training and technical assistance to other courts, and will host teams from other jurisdictions to observe and educate in support of the nationwide network of over 4,000 treatment courts.

Bucks County Recovery (Drug) Court was established in 2010.  A Wellness/Mental Health Court was added in 2021, and recently the Veterans program became Veterans Court.  

Treatment Courts offer an alternative to incarceration sentences for individuals involved in the justice system who have substance use issues and/or mental health disorders. Treatment Courts utilize intensive community supervision, evidence-based treatment, and recovery and community supports to improve case outcomes. 

Bucks County Recovery Court has a dedicated team of representatives from the District Attorney’s Office, Court Administration, Adult Probation, Drug & Alcohol Commission, Bucks County Department of Behavioral Health/Developmental Programs, and the Sheriff’s Office.

Bucks County Treatment Courts have also been selected as one of eleven court programs nationally to be part of a learning collaborative for integrating trauma-informed practices in Treatment Courts offered through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Gain Center. Through this opportunity, Bucks County Treatment Courts will receive unique training, targeted support for our programs, and expert assistance in the development of a strategic plan, as well as the ability to collaborate closely with the other selected court teams from around the United States to expand the scope of assistance provided to those we serve.   

Media Contact: Office of Court Administration, 215-348-6403

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: March 28, 2025
New Jersey Man Sentenced for Robbing Two Morrisville Businesses

A New Jersey man was sentenced on Thursday to five to 10 years in state prison for committing two armed robberies in Morrisville Borough in September 2023.

Emanuel Hernandez Caudrado, 40, of Trenton, pled guilty in November to two counts each of robbery and possession of a weapon.

He was sentenced by Common Pleas Judge Gary B. Gilman to 2 ½ to five years in prison for each case, with the sentences running consecutively. Hernandez Cuadrado was also sentenced to five years of probation, with that running consecutive to his confinement.

Judge Gilman also ordered Hernandez Cuadrado to undergo a mental health evaluation, drug and alcohol assessment and pay restitution of more than $1,300 to both businesses.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: March 27, 2025
Health Department Reports Measles Case in Bucks County

The Bucks County Health Department has identified a case of measles in a county resident. 

The individual, a vaccinated adult who had recently traveled to Texas, visited several locations in the region last week while potentially contagious. The Health Department learned Wednesday evening that the individual had tested positive for measles. The symptoms this individual experienced were relatively mild. 

Anyone who visited Starbucks at 2896 S. Eagle Road in Newtown between 10:50 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on March 19 should monitor for symptoms, especially a cough, runny nose or red eyes. Other symptoms of measles include headache, sneezing, and a red skin rash starting on the face and neck. 

Infected individuals generally begin to experience symptoms within 10-14 days of exposure. 

The Health Department has contact traced all other locations where the individual is known to have traveled, and people potentially exposed to the virus during those times will be notified. 

“Two doses of the vaccine will be 97 percent effective in preventing all illness. However, even though a vaccinated person can still get measles, they are more likely to experience a mild illness and are thus less likely to spread it,” said Health Department Director Dr. David Damsker. “The best way to hold this virus in check is to have high levels of community vaccination rates.”   

If you believe you may have been exposed to measles and you plan to seek medical treatment, the Health Department strongly encourages you to reach out to the healthcare facility you expect to visit and advise them of this fact before you go so they can be properly prepared.  

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected] 

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: March 27, 2025
Human Services Hub Marks 4 Years, Introduces New Services

As it celebrates four years of connecting people with the help they need, Bucks County’s Human Services Hub announces a host of new services available to county residents. 

The Hub has served since 2021 as a “one stop shop” where Resource Navigators use their training in social work to match people in need of social services with the agencies that provide them.   

“It’s about making sure that we as the social service professionals are helping individuals navigate a system that might not be so easy,” said Human Services Director Rachael Neff. 

From 2021 through the end of last year, the Hub handled more than 10,000 requests for assistance, with referrals in most cases made among dozens of service providers like the Bucks County Opportunity Council and Bucks County Housing Link.  

Access to public benefits and housing have held steady atop the list of most common issues clients presented to staff, and the Hub has adapted in response.  

To help meet the community’s needs, the Hub, which started with just one employee, has grown its full-time roster to include two Resource Navigators and a supervisor with seasonal help from college interns. 

“We like to say that at the Hub we have our fingers on the pulse of the needs of Bucks County,” said Human Services Hub Coordinator Katey Marseglia, MSW. “So what we do is we find those gaps. We find those needs through our work, through data evaluation to see what can we do now?”

In late 2024, the Hub became a COMPASS Community Partner, meaning Hub staff can now take and process welfare applications directly, decreasing the time it takes people to access those necessary resources.  

The Hub also employs a specialist certified in a national program designed to increase access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for people in certain difficult circumstances.

Recognizing that accessing these income and health care benefits can be a critical first step on the road to recovery, the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) program is open to adults and children experiencing or at risk of homelessness who have a serious mental illness, medical impairment and/or co-occurring substance use disorder. 

On the housing front, the Hub is now a Bucks County Housing Link Partner, meaning staff can provide on-site intakes, referrals and navigation to more quickly connect people with housing resources. 

And for the pets of people facing housing insecurity, the Hub leads Bucks Pets in Need (BPIN) to assist with pet supplies, referrals for emergency assistance and one-time needs. 

“When you call the Hub, you’re not getting any automated system – you’re getting a live person and that person is trained to meet all your needs,” said Marseglia. ”There’s no wrong question. There’s no wrong door. We’re here to help everyone.” 

Anyone in need of community resources is encourage to call, email or walk in to the Hub, which is located on the first floor of the Bucks County Administration Building, 55 E. Court Street, Doylestown. 

To talk to a Resource Navigator today, call 215-348-6201 or click here to learn more about the Hub. 

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected] 

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: March 21, 2025
Senior Games Registration Open through May 15

The Bucks County Area Agency on Aging is once again calling on seniors who enjoy camaraderie, competition and fun to sign up for the Bucks County Senior Games.

The 42nd annual games begin Wednesday, May 28, with the Senior Games Kickoff event at the Newtown Campus of Bucks County Community College. The competitions begin on Thursday, June 5, and run through Thursday, June 12, at senior centers and other locations throughout the County.

Participation in the Senior Games is open to anyone 50 or older and is inclusive of people of all skill and ability levels. 

Registration includes a Senior Games t-shirt and lapel pin. The Kick-off Event includes activities and a free lunch provided by Independence Blue Cross. Registration for the Games and Kick-off closes at 4 p.m. May 15.

Scheduled events include biking, cornhole, table tennis, pickleball, bocce, chess, bowling and more. A full listing of scheduled events is available through the Senior Games webpage linked below.

To register or to learn more, call 267-880-5700 or visit BucksCounty.gov/SeniorGames.

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: March 14, 2025 | Last Modified on: March 14, 2025
MICHIGAN MEN PLEAD GUILTY TO VIOLENT ROBBERY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON COMIC BOOKSTORE

Two Michigan men pled guilty on Friday, March 14, 2025, and one of them was sentenced to state prison for the violent robbery of a Lower Southampton Township comic bookstore in September 2022.

Zackery Maximus Tucker, 23, of Quincy, Michigan, pled guilty to robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery and aggravated assault. He was sentenced by Common Pleas Judge Stephen A. Corr to five to 12 years in state prison.

Tucker was also ordered to have no contact with the victim or his family and the Comic Collection store. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $20,029.88.

Caleb James-Lorenze Simpson, 36, of Clarklake, Michigan, pled guilty to the same charges, and his sentencing was deferred until May 2.

Before sentencing, the owner of the Comic Collection Store, located at 83 Bustleton Pike, Feasterville, read a statement to Judge Corr about how the attack has affected his life.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: March 14, 2025
Two Men Sentenced to Decades in Prison for 2022 Murder of Morrisville Man

Two men were sentenced on Friday, March 14, 2025, to several decades in prison for the December 2022 killing of Clifton “CJ” Burgess-Williams Jr. in Morrisville.

Breon D. McRae, 34, of Morrisville, and Pacqi S. Lassiter, 29, of Trenton, N.J., were each sentenced to 40 to 80 years in state prison for conspiring to kill Burgess-Williams, 26, of Morrisville, on Dec. 22, 2022.

Common Pleas Judge Charissa J. Liller also sentenced McRae to an additional 4 ½ to 9 years in prison for witness intimidation, with the sentence running consecutively for a total sentence of 44 ½ to 89 years in state prison. McRae and Lassiter were also ordered to have no contact with the family of the victim.  

Both men were convicted by a Bucks County jury in February following a two-week trial.

Burgess-Williams was sitting in a parked vehicle at his home with his sister, brother, and friend when eight shots were fired, striking him and endangering the others in the car. Burgess-Williams was the brother of McRae’s former girlfriend.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: March 7, 2025
COUNSELOR CHARGED WITH HIDING SPY CAMERAS TO RECORD FEMALES USING BATHROOM AT QUAKERTOWN OFFICE

A family counselor was arrested on Thursday, March 6, 2025, for secretly placing covert cameras disguised as charging blocks to secretly record patients and staff using the bathroom at his Quakertown office.

Jonathan Elliot Moyer, 54, of Alburtis, was charged with one count each of interception of oral communications, possession of a device for interception of oral communications and possession of an instrument of crime, and six counts of invasion of privacy.

He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Lisa J. Gaier who set bail at $150,000, 10 percent.

This investigation developed quickly after a Detective with the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office received information on Monday, March 3, that an individual located an electronic storage device that contained video of a man, later identified as Moyer, setting up a recording device in his Quakertown office. The device also had several other videos that showed females using the bathroom.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: March 6, 2025
DA Schorn Rules Bensalem Township Police were Justified in Shooting of Armed Felon

District Attorney Jennifer Schorn ruled that five Bensalem Township officers were justified in the January fatal shooting of an armed felon who led police on a vehicle pursuit before barricading himself inside his vehicle and pointing a firearm at them.  

In a letter to Bensalem Township Police Director of Public Safety William McVey, Schorn wrote that based upon her review of the evidence, she “concluded that [the officers] were reasonable in their individual beliefs that each of their lives were placed in clear and present danger by Zachiry Derrek Kerschner at the time that they fatally shot Kerschner.” 

“I therefore conclude that [the officers] were justified in discharging their weapons and fatally shooting Zachiry Derrek Kerschner.” 

Kerschner, 30, of Lehighton, was fatally shot on Jan. 24, 2025, after a series of events that began with a traffic stop near the intersection of Route 1 and Old Lincoln Highway, leading to a 35-minute vehicle pursuit through five jurisdictions and a two-hour standoff.  

During the standoff, Kerschner refused to comply with officers, vowing that he was never going back to jail.  Kerschner had a passenger in the vehicle. The investigation revealed that at one point during the standoff, Kerschner pointed a gun at him and ordered him to remain in the car. The passenger was unharmed following the standoff and the fatal shooting of Kerschner.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: March 5, 2025
Bucks County Sheriff’s Office Announces New Smartphone App

Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran is excited to announce the release of a custom smartphone application. The app will serve as an innovative way for the Sheriff’s Office to connect with Bucks County residents and visitors, providing information quickly and efficiently to anyone with a smartphone. 

The Bucks County Sheriff’s Office app offers quick access to items of public interest and is easy to use. In just a few clicks, users can access features such as:

• Meet The Sheriff
• News & Alerts
• Community Programs
• Real Estate Sales 
• Ident-a-Kid
• Warrants
• Submit A Tip
• Contact Us
• More!

“Over 80 percent of people in the United States own and use smartphones as their primary means of communication,” reports OCV (the App developer). Mobile apps offer agencies a better way to alert, inform and prepare the public… and allow public safety agencies the ability to reach and serve their citizens where they are: their smartphones.”

The app is now available to download for free in the App Store and Google Play – SEARCH for “Bucks County Sheriff, PA” – or SCAN the QR Code shown below.

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Sheriff
Posted on: March 3, 2025 | Last Modified on: March 3, 2025
Commissioners Urge Pipeline Shutdown after Jet Fuel Leak

The Bucks County Commissioners on Friday called for the complete shutdown of a pipeline in Upper Makefield Township after a jet fuel leak contaminated well water in the community.

In a letter to Energy Transfer CEO Thomas Long, the Commissioners also called for independent testing of well water amid residents’ concerns of ongoing contamination. The pipeline must remain shut down, the Commissioners said, until an independent authority determines its continued operation is safe.

“While we appreciate Energy Transfer’s commitment to resolving this public safety, health, and environmental crisis, we stand in solidarity with the affected residents of Upper Makefield Township,” the Commissioners wrote.

The letter also calls on Energy Transfer to honor the demands Upper Makefield’s Board of Supervisors issued in a Feb. 13 resolution including the development of a long-term remediation plan ensuring clean soil and water in all affected areas.

Read the full text of the letter below: 

Mr. Thomas Long Chief Executive Officer Energy Transfer LP sent via email  

February 28, 2025

Dear Mr. Long,

As the elected representatives of the people of Bucks County, the Bucks County Board of Commissioners, along with our Emergency Management Agency and Department of Health, we are closely monitoring the fuel pipeline leak in Upper Makefield Township. County officials, including our Chief Operating Officer, attended last night’s town hall meeting to gain further insight. Having heard from local, state, and federal officials and representatives, we send this letter today with great concern.

While we appreciate Energy Transfer’s commitment to resolving this public safety, health, and environmental crisis, we stand in solidarity with the affected residents of Upper Makefield Township. We join in support of the Feb. 13, 2025, resolution passed by the Upper Makefield Township Board of Supervisors and insist your organization take swift and immediate action to completely shut down the pipeline in question.

With so much still unknown about the impacts of this leak as it relates to public health and safety, we simply cannot risk the continued operation of this pipeline during the resolution of this matter.

We also join the Upper Makefield Board of Supervisors in requesting that Energy Transfer hire an outside, independent contractor selected by the Township to conduct the testing of well water, as residents remain uncomfortable by your company’s internal testing and unconvinced by inconsistent results.

Further, the pipeline must remain shut down until such a time when said independent agency deems it safe for all affected residents/properties.

While the Bucks County Board of Commissioners have focused on two extremely critical points here, we also lend support to all nine demands made in Upper Makefield Township’s Resolution

No. 2025-02-13-01 including, but not limited to ongoing retesting, reimbursement to affected public entities, and the development of a “long-term remediation plan that ensures clean soil and water in all impacted areas, that ensures a reliable and safe water supply for impacted residents, and that makes all impacted residents financially whole.”

We credit Energy Transfer for stepping up to this point, but the company must understand the fear and uncertainty Upper Makefield residents continue to experience amid ongoing reports of a gaseous smell in water in Upper Makefield neighborhoods, among other concerns.

We greatly appreciate your cooperation and hope you will honor the requests of this Board and the Upper Makefield Township Board of Supervisors. We anticipate your reply.

Respectfully,

Robert HarvieCommissioner Chair

Diane Ellis-MarsegliaCommissioner Vice Chair

Gene DiGirolamoCommissioner Secretary

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: March 3, 2025
DRUNK DRIVER SENTENCED TO 4-10 YEARS IN PRISON FOR FATAL UPPER SOUTHAMPTON CRASH

A Warminster Township woman was sentenced on Monday, March 3, 2025, to four to 10 years in state prison for causing an August 2022 crash in Upper Southampton Township that killed her backseat passenger.

Kimberly Ann Roach-Trochak, 47, was found guilty in December following a waiver trial before Common Pleas Judge Stephen A. Corr. The judge found her guilty on charges of homicide by vehicle while DUI, aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, driving under the influence, careless driving and disregarding traffic lanes.

Corr sentenced Roach-Trochak to four to 10 years in state prison on the homicide by vehicle while DUI charge, and a concurrent sentence of two to four years on the aggravated assault while DUI charge.

The investigation found that Roach-Trochak was intoxicated on August 26, 2022, when she crashed her 2012 Nissan Rogue into a tree in the 1200 block of Churchville Road, killing 53-year-old Marita McTamney and seriously injuring McTamney’s daughter.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: March 3, 2025
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to BCCF for Stalking, Groping Girl on Bensalem-bound SEPTA Bus

A Philadelphia man was sentenced on Monday, March 3, 2025, to the Bucks County Correctional Facility for stalking and groping a 17-year-old girl on a SEPTA bus headed to Bensalem.

Elmange Watson, 27, was found guilty in August of stalking, corruption of minors and indecent assault, and two counts of harassment following a waiver trial before Common Pleas Judge Wallace H. Bateman Jr.

On Monday, Bateman sentenced Watson to 11 ½ to 23 months in county jail and five years of probation.

On Jan. 22, 2023, the Bensalem Township Police Department was dispatched to the Neshaminy Mall to investigate a report of a 17-year-old girl who was stalked and groped on a bus.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: February 28, 2025
QUAKERTOWN SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 11-24 YEARS IN STATE PRISON FOR SHARING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

A convicted sex offender was sentenced on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, to 11 to 24 years in state prison for sharing child sexual abuse material.

Charles William Guthier, 56, of Quakertown, pled guilty in September to disseminating child sexual abuse material, possession of child pornography, and criminal use of a communication facility.

He appeared before Common Pleas Judge Wallace H. Bateman Jr., who sentenced him to five to 10 years on the first count, five to 10 years on the second count and 1 to 4 years on the third count with sentences running consecutively.  As a Tier III sex offender, Guthier will have to register with Megan’s Law for the rest of his life. 

In October 2023, a sergeant with the Warrington Township Police Department was conducting an online investigation and identified a host computer using peer-to-peer file sharing software.

The sergeant was able to identify 71 files of child sexual abuse material, also known as child pornography, being shared by the host computer.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: February 28, 2025
QUAKERTOWN SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 11-24 YEARS IN STATE PRISON FOR SHARING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

A convicted sex offender was sentenced on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, to 11 to 24 years in state prison for sharing child sexual abuse material.

Charles William Guthier, 56, of Quakertown, pled guilty in September to disseminating child sexual abuse material, possession of child pornography, and criminal use of a communication facility.

He appeared before Common Pleas Judge Wallace H. Bateman Jr., who sentenced him to five to 10 years on the first count, five to 10 years on the second count and 1 to 4 years on the third count with sentences running consecutively.  As a Tier III sex offender, Guthier will have to register with Megan’s Law for the rest of his life. 

In October 2023, a sergeant with the Warrington Township Police Department was conducting an online investigation and identified a host computer using peer-to-peer file sharing software.

The sergeant was able to identify 71 files of child sexual abuse material, also known as child pornography, being shared by the host computer.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: February 28, 2025
Southeast PA Counties Move to Activate Renewable Energy Purchasing

Four counties that formed the Sustainable Energy Partnership of Southeast PA (SEP) have made the first major step in purchasing low, stable and transparent- cost electricity for County operations. As members of the SEP, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties have started receiving electricity through wholesale market purchasing. 

In August of 2024, the SEP’s Energy Board, formed to govern the group’s purchasing program, adopted the renewable energy purchasing strategy that sets an overall goal: By 2035, all four counties will purchase 100 percent of their operations’ electricity from renewable sources.  The strategy specifies interim targets of 25 percent by 2026, 75 percent by 2030, and 90 percent by 2032.  

“True energy independence and sustainability requires leadership, and the Sustainable Energy Partnership of Southeast PA is a great example of local leaders acting as leaders,” said Bucks County Commissioner Chair Bob Harvie. “This partnership reflects years of collaboration and effort focused on delivering clean, affordable and reliable energy to our region.”

The SEP renewable energy strategy also contains guidelines for future power purchase agreements such as sourcing energy from diversified generation sources; prioritizing projects within the Delaware Valley; and prioritizing new projects under development (as opposed to existing energy generation facilities) to more directly contribute to the development of clean energy projects.  

Through the SEP, the counties will also have improved access to, and purchasing power for procuring renewable energy and will be able to on-board additional public entities to the partnership over time. 

Prior to the establishment of SEP, all four counties purchased Green-E Renewable Energy Credits to offset each megawatt hour of conventional energy purchased.   

SEP Energy Board Vice Chair Julie Bookheimer said, “Meeting the goal of 100% renewable electricity will involve supplementing those renewable energy credits with procurement of energy from local (mid-Atlantic) solar, wind, and hydroelectric projects, as well as on-site renewable energy at county facilities, and other strategic projects and partnerships.” 

With the support of its electricity supplier, WGLES, and its energy consultant, EnelX, SEP is currently exploring renewable energy projects with which the counties could consider a power purchase agreement or leading the development of a new energy project using federal incentives. 

In December 2024 the SEP Board adopted guidelines to enable the addition of new members including municipalities, public school systems, and municipal authorities.    

“Adding new public members that have similar goals of transitioning to renewable energy will amplify the SEP’s purchasing power and impact, to the benefit of all,” added Bookheimer.

Bucks County Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: February 27, 2025
BCHRP Announces Request for Contractor Qualifications

The Bucks County Home Repair Program (BCHRP) invites qualified contractors to participate in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process to join the program. 

The RFQ aims to establish a pool of General Contractors (GCs) for upcoming residential construction and rehabilitation projects in Bucks County. Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOBs) are especially encouraged to submit their qualifications.

About the RFQ Process: The RFQ process will be publicly posted on the BCHRP website (https://bchrp.com) to allow interested GCs the opportunity to be added to the Contractor List.

Key Dates:

• RFQ Pre-submission Meeting: February 26, 2025, 10 a.m. at Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County, 539 Jacksonville Rd #100, Warminster, PA 18974 (A virtual recording will be available).
• Deadline for RFQ Submissions: March 20, 2025, 4 p.m.
• Qualifications Evaluation Completion: March 24, 2025
• Contractor Interviews: March 25-28, 2025
• Projected Notification Date: April 1, 2025

Program Information: BCHRP is a home repair partnership between Bucks County, Capital Access, Inc. and Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County with a focus on home repairs related to habitability and safety concerns, accessibility, and water/energy efficiency.

BCHRP RFQ Bid Package Process: GCs who apply through the RFQ and are approved to participate in BCHRP will have the opportunity to bid on BCHRP home repair projects. BCHRP-approved GCs will receive Request for Proposal bid packages, and if the GC is awarded the project, a separate construction contract will be executed per home. The program utilizes an efficient process, including case managers to assist homeowners, pre-bid meetings for proposed revisions, and a web-based construction management information system.

Innovations for Efficiency: BCHRP deploys various innovations to relieve administrative burdens, including detailed inspections, scope of work preparation, and budgets provided by the program. GCs have the opportunity to submit proposed revisions, and payments are processed every two weeks.

Qualification Requirements: GCs must meet specific criteria, including experience in residential construction, good standing with relevant authorities, registration with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, participation in E-Verify, and compliance with prevailing wage requirements. Financial statements, references, and other documentation are also required.

How to Apply: Interested contractors should visit www.bchrp.com and are encouraged to attend the RFQ pre-submission meeting on February 26, 2025. Qualifications must be submitted by the deadline on March 20, 2025.

Inquiries: All written questions should be directed to [email protected] via email by March 5 at 1 PM. Responses to substantive questions will be posted on the BCHRP website by March 10.  The projected notification date for RFQ response is April 1.

For more information, please visit www.bchrp.com

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: February 24, 2025
Household Hazardous Waste Collections to Return April 5

Level up your spring cleaning by bringing those poisonous, flammable, corrosive and caustic household items to one of Bucks County’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Events.

Held during the warmer months of each year, HHW collections are a free resource for County residents to dispose safely of up to 25 gallons or 220 pounds of common, but potentially hazardous household items like pesticides, batteries and household cleaners.

Some items, including electronics, latex paint and appliances, cannot be accepted.

All collection events are scheduled for 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., rain or shine, on the dates below:

• April 5 – Bucks County Community College, Newtown Campus
• May 31 – Upper Bucks Area Vocational Technical School
• June 28 – Central Bucks South High School
• Aug. 9 – Bucks County Technical School
• Oct. 25 – Strayer Middle School

Click here for a more comprehensive list of items that can and cannot be accepted. 

Household Hazardous Waste Collections in Bucks are sponsored by the Bucks County Commissioners and the Bucks County Planning Commission.

These events are intended for County residents and are not open to business, industry or institutions.

For more information about waste disposal and recycling in Bucks County, visit BucksCounty.gov/Recycling.

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected] 

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: February 21, 2025
PIANO INSTRUCTOR CHARGED WITH INDECENT ASSAULT OF FOUR STUDENTS

A 49-year-old piano instructor was recently charged with the indecent assault of four male victims who he inappropriately massaged during their lessons.

Timothy James Shay, of Plumstead Township, was arraigned on Feb. 14, 2025, with four counts each of indecent assault of a person less than 13 years old and corruption of minors.

He was sent to Bucks County Correctional Facility by Magisterial District Judge John T. Galloway who set his bail at $1 million, 10 percent.

All the charged offenses occurred more than two decades ago, and investigators strongly believe there may be other victims and are asking for them to please come forward. Anyone with information can contact Middletown Township Detective John Beck at (215) 750-3872.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: February 18, 2025
HULMEVILLE MAN CHARGED IN SEXUAL EXPLOITATION CASE; USED FAKE ONLINE ACCOUNTS TO LURE, RECORD GIRLS

A 60-year-old man created several fake online identities pretending to be a teenage boy so he could lure underage girls into sending him sexually inappropriate videos, which he then shared on other social media platforms.

Mark William Wills, of Hulmeville, is charged with manufacturing and disseminating child sexual abuse material, possession of child pornography, unlawful contact with a minor, dissemination of sexually explicit materials to minors, interception of oral communications, criminal use of a communication facility, and invasion of privacy.

Wills was taken into custody on Wednesday, Feb. 12, by the U.S. Marshals Service in Clarksburg, West Virginia. He is awaiting extradition and being held without bond.

This investigation by Bucks County Detectives and the Warrington Township Police Department led to the discovery of at least four victims in the United States and Canada, but recovered evidence indicating there are likely several more victims.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Bucks County Detectives at 215-348-6354.

“We have seen at alarming rates individuals like this preying upon our children online, and it’s thanks to the men and women behind me and their counterparts that we are able to apprehend and prosecute individuals like this,” District Attorney Jennifer Schorn said at a news conference on Tuesday.

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Additional Info…
District Attorney News
Posted on: February 17, 2025
Bucks Declares ‘Code Blue’ through Feb. 22

A “Code Blue” declaration will be in effect for Bucks County through Saturday, Feb. 22, in response to a forecasted stretch of cold weather.

Shelters in Upper, Central and Lower Bucks will open Monday evening and will remain in operation through Saturday morning.

The following shelters have been activated for this “Code Blue” event:

Upper Bucks – facebook.com/upperbuckscodeblueQuakertown Masonic Lodge – First Floor501 W. Broad Street Quakertown, PA 18951

Central Bucks – co2ssh.org Doylestown Presbyterian Church148 N. Church StDoylestown, PA 18901www.dtownpc.org

Lower Bucks – ahtn.orgCalvary Baptist Church (Inside gym)250 Green LaneBristol, PA 19007www.calvarybristol.org

The Upper and Lower Bucks shelters will open at 8:30 p.m. The Central Bucks shelter opens at 7:30 p.m. 

The county issues a “Code Blue” declaration when temperatures are forecast to drop below 20 degrees for two or more consecutive days. A “Code Blue” may be called amid higher temperatures, as consideration is also given to wind chill, precipitation and other circumstances. 

Information about “Code Blue” openings is available Monday – Friday through the County’s Housing Link Helpline at 1-800-810-4434.  

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: February 12, 2025
Controller Announces Return of Unclaimed $10K to Pennsbury School District

Pamela Van Blunk, Bucks County Controller, is pleased to announce that last week the Controller’s Office returned $10,000 in unclaimed funds to Pennsbury School District. Upon learning of the significant unclaimed funds, Controller Van Blunk reached out to Pennsbury’s Chief Financial Officer, Chris Berdnik, to notify him of the school district’s unclaimed funds. Mr. Berdnik immediately filed the required paperwork for return of the unclaimed funds, which was promptly processed by the Controller’s Office.

There is more than $1.6 million in unclaimed funds in the Controller’s possession and Van Blunk wants to return them to the rightful owners. In furtherance of this goal, she is sending notification letters to many of the owners of the older unclaimed funds over $50.

Controller Van Blunk started the Unclaimed Funds program in Bucks County just over two years ago. Since its inception, Van Blunk has returned over $720,000 to the rightful owners. In Bucks County, unclaimed funds consist of funds belonging to individuals and organizations doing business with or receiving services from the county or the courts.

To see if you have any unclaimed funds, visit the Unclaimed Funds webpage and click on the “Unclaimed Funds Listing” link to search the list. If Bucks County is holding your unclaimed funds, you will find the application and instructions on how to obtain your funds on the same webpage as the listing. Payees may claim their monies directly from the Controller’s office via U.S mail without any service charges or fees. Once the Controller’s office verifies your application and documentation, you will receive the funds in approximately 4-6 weeks. At the bottom of the Controller’s Unclaimed Funds’ website, you will also find links to Pennsylvania Treasury’s Unclaimed Funds and a National Unclaimed Funds website to see if you have unclaimed funds elsewhere.

Follow Bucks County Controller on Facebook (Bucks County Controller), Instagram (@BucksCountyControllersOffice) and X (@BucksCoContr) for more information about the County’s Unclaimed Funds program, its Fraud, Waste & Abuse efforts and the county’s financials.

For more information about the Controller’s Office’s Unclaimed Funds program, please contact the Controller’s Office: 215-348-6435.

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: February 6, 2025
Croydon Parents Charged with Child Neglect of Premature Newborn Twins

A couple from Croydon were charged Wednesday with felony child endangerment after failing to provide the necessary follow-up care for their newborn premature twins and feeding them so little that they became dangerously malnourished.

Courtney Soyka, 32, and Marcus Maddela, 45, of Coventry Avenue, Croydon, Bristol Township, were charged with two counts each of felony child endangerment and conspiracy. They were arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Terrance Hughes and sent to Bucks County Correctional Facility under $500,000 bail, 10 percent.

This investigation began in December 2024 when Bristol Township police received a referral from Bucks County Children and Youth about newborn twins born premature at 32 weeks.

The babies were born on Oct. 7 and held in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) until they were healthy enough to be released to their parents. On Dec. 11, both were brought back to the hospital after missing four medical appointments each and appearing extremely underweight for their age.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: February 6, 2025
Man Charged with Providing Drugs That Led to Woman’s Overdose Death in Middletown

A 55-year-old man was arrested and charged on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, for supplying the drugs that led to a woman’s overdose death in Middletown Township last year.

Thomas Joseph Hall, of Warminster Township, was charged with drug delivery resulting in death, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility, involuntary manslaughter, recklessly endangering another person, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Daniel Baranoski who remanded him to Bucks County Correctional Facility under $500,000 bail.

On June 4, officers with the Middletown Township Police Department were dispatched to a home in the 900 block of Poplar Street in Langhorne, Middletown Township. The 911 caller reported that his girlfriend had passed away. Police and paramedics located the victim in the bedroom and confirmed that she was deceased. She was identified as 57-year-old Gisela Leair.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: February 5, 2025
Bristol Township Man Pleads Guilty to Hiding Spy Cameras to Record Juvenile Girls in Bathroom

A Bristol Township man pled guilty on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, to hiding spy cameras in his bathroom to record his former girlfriend’s teen daughters taking showers.

John V. Dutton, 55, appeared before Common Pleas Judge Charissa J. Liller on Tuesday morning and entered guilty pleas to six counts of invasion of privacy, two counts of interception of oral communications, and one count of possession of a controlled substance.

Dutton will be sentenced at a later date.

The investigation began in August 2023 when the victims’ mother discovered what she believed to be a spy camera disguised as a USB cell phone charging port in the bathroom of the residence she shared with Dutton. Her two daughters and son also lived in the home.

She first became suspicious of Dutton after he insisted that they either not have a shower curtain in their common bathroom, or they have a clear curtain. 

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District Attorney News
Posted on: February 3, 2025
Two Men Convicted in 2022 Murder of Morrisville Man

Two men were convicted on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, of third-degree murder for the December 2022 killing of Clifton “CJ” Burgess-Williams Jr. in Morrisville.

Following a two-week trial, a Bucks County jury found that Breon D. McRae, 34, of Morrisville, and Pacqi S. Lassiter, 29, of Trenton, N.J., conspired to kill Burgess-Williams, 26, of Morrisville, on Dec. 22, 2022.

Burgess-Williams, the brother of McRae’s former girlfriend, was sitting in a parked vehicle on Lenora Avenue with his sister, brother, and friend when eight shots were fired, striking him and endangering the others in the car.

Jurors deliberated for a day and a half before finding McRae and Lassiter guilty of third-degree murder, conspiracy to commit third-degree murder, conspiracy to commit possession of an instrument of crime, conspiracy to commit reckless endangerment and three counts of reckless endangerment. McRae was also convicted of terroristic threats and simple assault.

In two other cases, McRae was convicted of witness intimidation, strangulation, simple assault and harassment. Following the conviction, Common Pleas Judge Charissa J. Liller deferred sentencing until March 14 for a pre-sentence investigation.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: January 30, 2025
Bristol Township Man Sentenced to 35-70 Years in State Prison for Repeated Rape of Girl

Calling his actions heinous and monstrous, a Bucks County judge sentenced Carlos Navedo to 35 to 70 years in a state correctional facility for repeatedly raping a girl in Bristol Township.

Navedo, 52, of Bristol Township, was convicted by a Bucks County jury in October of rape of a child, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, unlawful contact with a minor, and corruption of minors.

Several dozen relatives of the victim, wearing purple and pink sweatshirts in support of the victim, filled the courtroom. The victim, now 13, was among six people who provided victim impact statements during sentencing Thursday, telling Common Pleas Judge Stephen A. Corr that Navedo “took my childhood away from me.”

The victim’s mother, father and other relatives also read victim impact statements that detailed the suffering the victim endured when she was just nine years old and the emotional trauma she continues to go through every day.

They all pleaded with Judge Corr to send Navedo away to prison for decades. “Protect our children and sentence this monster to the maximum sentence allowed,” one aunt said.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: January 29, 2025
NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP MAN CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ANIMAL CRUELTY FOR KILLING TWO DOGS

A 40-year-old man was charged recently with stabbing two family dogs to death inside his home in Newtown Township.

George Gooch Ash, of Essex Place, Newtown Township, was charged on Jan. 22, 2025, with two felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals. He will be arraigned at a later time.

“To say the defendant’s actions were inhumane is an understatement,” District Attorney Jennifer Schorn said at a Wednesday news conference. “They were sadistic.”

“I commend the outstanding work done by the Newtown Township Police Department and the Bucks County SPCA, and I can assure you that this case will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.”

This investigation began Saturday, Jan. 18, after officers with the Newtown Township Police Department were dispatched at 5:29 p.m. to 25 Essex Place. The 911 caller identified himself as George Ash who lives at the address.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: January 28, 2025
Former Pennsbury Music Instructor Sentenced for Possession of Child Pornography

A former Pennsbury School District music instructor was sentenced on Monday to three years of probation for possessing thousands of images and videos of child pornography.

Christopher Bygott, 47, of Hamilton, N.J., was charged in December 2023 with possession of child pornography and criminal use of a communication facility, both felonies. He pleaded guilty before Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey L. Finley in September.

Finley also ordered that Bygott must undergo sex offender treatment, have no unsupervised contact with minors, and he will be required to register as a sex offender through Megan’s Law for at least 15 years.

This investigation by Detectives with the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office began on Dec. 5, 2023, after two CyberTips were submitted to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. The CyberTips were linked to an IP address, which was used to upload the Child Sex Abuse Materials (CSAM) files into an Amazon Photos account.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: January 27, 2025
MAN SENTENCED TO DECADES IN STATE PRISON FOR BRISTOL TOWNSHIP CRASH THAT KILLED CONNECTICUT COUPLE

A 32-year-old man will spend several decades in state prison for causing the Bristol Township crash that claimed the lives of a couple from Connecticut in February 2024.

In a packed courtroom Monday at the Bucks County Justice Center, Common Pleas Judge C. Theodore Fritsch sentenced John Thomas Wadlinger Jr., of Bensalem, to 26 years, nine months, to 56 years, 10 months in state prison, for the Feb. 24 hit-and-run crash that killed Rebecca Whiddon, 33, and Richard Whiddon, 37, both of Brooklyn, Conn. 

Fritsch also ordered that Wadlinger pay $14,971.11 in restitution and $8,100 in fines.

Several relatives and friends of the victims appeared in court to deliver impact statements. Two surviving victims also spoke.

Friends and family spoke glowingly of the Whiddons, with one of the crash survivors describing them as “two spectacular and unbelievably special humans.”

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District Attorney News
Posted on: January 24, 2025
Bucks Extends ‘Code Blue’ through Jan. 25

Bucks County has extended its Code Blue declaration through Saturday, as extreme frigid temperatures are expected to persist through the night and into the morning.  

Shelters in Upper, Central and Lower Bucks will open Friday evening. The Code Blue declaration has been in effect since last week when temperatures plunged into the teens and single digits.

The following shelters have been activated for this Code Blue event: 

Upper Bucks – facebook.com/upperbuckscodeblue Quakertown Masonic Lodge – First Floor 501 W. Broad Street Quakertown, PA 18951 

Central Bucks – co2ssh.org Our Lady of Guadalupe5194 Cold Spring Creamery Road Doylestown, PA 18902www.olguadalupe.org

Lower Bucks – ahtn.org Woodside Church1667 Edgewood RoadYardley, PA 19067www.woodside-church.org

The Upper and Lower Bucks shelters will open at 8:30 p.m. The Central Bucks shelter opens at 7:30 p.m. 

The county issues a “Code Blue” declaration when temperatures are forecast to drop below 20 degrees for two or more consecutive days. A “Code Blue” may be called amid higher temperatures, as consideration is also given to wind chill, precipitation and other circumstances. 

Information about “Code Blue” openings is available Monday – Friday through the County’s Housing Link Helpline at 1-800-810-4434.  

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: January 18, 2025 | Last Modified on: January 18, 2025
FALLS TOWNSHIP MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTING TO LURE CHILD INTO VEHICLE; POLICE SEEK INFORMATION

The Falls Township Police Department arrested a township man on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, for attempting to lure an 11-year-old boy into his vehicle.

Investigators with the Falls Township Police Department and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office strongly believe that the defendant has committed or attempted to commit similar crimes in the past and are asking for the public’s help for information.

Gene Louis Martin, 54, of Nearwood Lane, Levittown, Falls Township, was arraigned Friday afternoon by Magisterial District Judge John T. Galloway on a felony count of luring a child into a vehicle or structure.

He was remanded to Bucks County Correctional Facility in lieu of $250,000 bail, 10 percent. Conditions of his bail include no contact with the victim and no contact with schools or any minor.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: January 17, 2025
Bucks Declares ‘Code Blue’ through Jan. 24

A Code Blue declaration will be in effect for Bucks County from Sunday evening through Friday, Jan. 24, in response to several forecasted days of extreme cold. 

Shelters in Upper, Central and Lower Bucks will open Sunday evening and will remain in operation nightly through Friday, Jan. 24.

The following shelters have been activated for this Code Blue event: 

Upper Bucks – facebook.com/upperbuckscodeblue Quakertown Masonic Lodge – First Floor 501 W. Broad Street Quakertown, PA 18951 

Central Bucks – co2ssh.org Our Lady of Guadalupe5194 Cold Spring Creamery Road Doylestown, PA 18902www.olguadalupe.org

Lower Bucks – ahtn.org Woodside Church1667 Edgewood RoadYardley, PA 19067www.woodside-church.org

The Upper and Lower Bucks shelters will open at 8:30 p.m. The Central Bucks shelter opens at 7:30 p.m. 

The county issues a “Code Blue” declaration when temperatures are forecast to drop below 20 degrees for two or more consecutive days. A “Code Blue” may be called amid higher temperatures, as consideration is also given to wind chill, precipitation and other circumstances. 

Information about “Code Blue” openings is available Monday – Friday through the County’s Housing Link Helpline at 1-800-810-4434.  

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: January 6, 2025
Bucks Declares ‘Code Blue’ through Jan. 10

A Code Blue declaration will be in effect for Bucks County into Friday in response to wintry conditions including several forecasted days of extreme cold. 

Shelters in Upper, Central and Lower Bucks will open Monday evening and will remain in operation nightly through Friday, Jan. 10.

The following shelters have been activated for this Code Blue event: 

Upper Bucks – facebook.com/upperbuckscodeblue Quakertown Masonic Lodge – First Floor 501 W. Broad Street Quakertown, PA 18951 

Central Bucks – co2ssh.org Our Lady of Guadalupe5194 Cold Spring Creamery Road Doylestown, PA 18902www.olguadalupe.org

Lower Bucks – ahtn.org Woodside Church1667 Edgewood RoadYardley, PA 19067www.woodside-church.org

The Upper and Lower Bucks shelters will open at 8:30 p.m. The Central Bucks shelter opens at 7:30 p.m. 

The county issues a “Code Blue” declaration when temperatures are forecast to drop below 20 degrees for two or more consecutive days. A “Code Blue” may be called amid higher temperatures, as consideration is also given to wind chill, precipitation and other circumstances. 

Information about “Code Blue” openings is available Monday – Friday through the County’s Housing Link Helpline at 1-800-810-4434.  

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected] 

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: December 24, 2024
Ep 22: Justice Center: “You guys must have questions”

Main Street in Doylestown Borough connects two significant Bucks County Government buildings: the Administration Building and the Justice Center. While the Justice Center is primarily known for its court functions, it also houses other offices that occasionally attract public interest.

 In this episode, we’ll have a conversation with Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran, who dedicated most of his career to Bensalem but initially aspired to be on stage. Later, we’ll hear from Jury Manager Morgan Grove about jury duty. If you’ve recently received a jury summons, she’s the point person behind the scenes.

Bucks County Conversations is a podcast that captures real conversations happening within Bucks County’s government. Each episode features topical, important discussions about the county, including key points of the Bucks County Commissioners’ meeting, and discussion of new projects, initiatives and upcoming events. Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Media Contact: Charlotte Reese, 215-348-6430, [email protected] 

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: December 21, 2024
Bucks Declares ‘Code Blue’ through Dec. 24

A Code Blue declaration will be in effect for Bucks County into next week in response to a forecasted stretch of low temperatures. 

Shelters in Upper, Central and Lower Bucks will open Saturday evening and will remain in operation nightly through Dec. 24.

The following shelters have been activated for this Code Blue event: 

Upper Bucks – facebook.com/upperbuckscodeblue Quakertown Masonic Lodge – First Floor 501 W. Broad Street Quakertown, PA 18951 

Central Bucks – co2ssh.org Neshaminy Warwick Presbyterian – Warwick Township 1401 Meetinghouse Rd Warminster, PA 18974www.nwpc.net

Lower Bucks – ahtn.org Shir Ami Synagogue 101 Richboro Newtown Rd. Newtown, PA 18940 www.shirami.org

The Upper and Lower Bucks shelters will open at 8:30 p.m. The Central Bucks shelter opens at 7:30 p.m. 

The county issues a “Code Blue” declaration when temperatures are forecast to drop below 20 degrees for two or more consecutive days. A “Code Blue” may be called amid higher temperatures, as consideration is also given to wind chill, precipitation and other circumstances.

Information about “Code Blue” openings is available Monday – Friday through the county’s Housing Link Helpline at 1-800-810-4434.  

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: December 20, 2024
Bucks County Establishes Fire Service Advisory Board

The Bucks County Commissioners on Wednesday voted to establish the Bucks County Fire Service Advisory Board (FSAB), creating a board of career and volunteer fire chiefs to provide feedback to the Commissioners on the most pressing issues facing the county’s fire service.  

The group, which organized prior to its official establishment this week, consists of seven voting members – four volunteer fire chiefs and three career fire chiefs. Board members were chosen by their peers to represent distinct districts and aspects of the County’s fire community. 

“We’re proud to represent the entire fire service of Bucks County,” said Adam Selisker, FSAB chair and chief of the Northampton Township Fire Department. “We believe that it’s critical to the ongoing success of the fire service in Bucks County to have a unified voice.”   

The board’s creation comes at a time of significant change for Bucks County’s fire service at the urging of local fire officials. 

“With the changing landscape of the fire service across Bucks County, we have seen a decline in the volunteer service and an increase in some career staffing throughout the county,” said George Wilson, Bucks County’s interim Director of Emergency Management. 

Wilson said the FSAB will address a wide range of issues including strategic planning, firefighter training and improving coordination with County resources to better support fire companies. 

The County Commissioners voted unanimously during their public meeting Wednesday to establish the FSAB as an official County advisory board. 

“For all the board members who are putting in extra time now on top of everything else that you already do, it means a lot,” said Commissioner Vice Chair Bob Harvie, “and we are looking forward to working with you to make sure we can do everything that we need to do to support the fire service throughout this county.”

The FSAB’s seven voting members are:

• Adam Selisker, Chair; Chief, Northampton Township Fire Department  
• Gary Laird, Co-Chair; Chief, Penndel Fire Company  
• Scott Fleischer; Chief, Point Pleasant Fire Company  
• Glenn Forsyth; Chief, Newtown Fire-Rescue 
• Robert Sponheimer; Battalion Chief, Bensalem Fire Rescue 
• Keith Butler; Chief, Milford Township Volunteer Fire Company 
• Tim Brewer; Chief, Upper Makefield Fire Company 

PHOTO: From left, Chief Adam Selisker, Northampton Township Fire Department; Chief Scott Fleischer, Point Pleasant Fire Company; Chief Tim Brewer, Upper Makefield Fire Company; Interim Director of Bucks County Emergency Management George Wilson.

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected] 

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: December 18, 2024
Commissioners Pass 2025 Budget with No New Taxes

The Bucks County Commissioners today approved the County’s $500 million Operating Budget for 2025.

The Commissioners passed the budget in a unanimous vote taken during Wednesday’s regular public meeting of the Board of Commissioners. The new year’s budget balances expenditures and revenues without increasing taxes. 

“The responsible stewardship of tax dollars is the most important part of our job as Commissioners – without it none of the critical services our departments provide to County residents are possible,” said Commissioner Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia.  

“This responsibility is one my fellow commissioners and I take extremely seriously, and I think that is demonstrated in the budget we’ve considered and approved today, which provides the high level of services Bucks County residents expect and deserve without adding financial strain to their household finances.” 

Chief Financial Officer Dave Boscola, whose department works for months to prepare and propose the County budget, thanked the County’s departments as well as his own staff for their diligence and cooperation this budget season.  

Having begun 2024 with a General Fund balance of $67 million, the county is set to start the new year with a balance of $68 million.  

Prepared each year by the Finance Department for approval by the County Commissioners, the County’s operating budget includes funding for departments and agencies serving county residents including the Area Agency on Aging (AAA), Behavioral Health/Developmental Programs, Board of Elections, Children & Youth Social Services Agency, Community Services, Corrections, Emergency Services, General Services, Health Department, Neshaminy Manor, Parks and Recreation and Veterans Affairs, among others.    

The County’s budget also provides funding for the courts and the County’s nine elected Row Offices, including the Clerk of Courts, Controller, Coroner, District Attorney, Prothonotary, Recorder of Deeds, Register of Wills, Sheriff and Treasurer.    

The full 2025 operating budget can be reviewed here.

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected] 

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: December 16, 2024
SIX MEMBERS OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT RING SENTENCED

Six defendants were sentenced on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, for their roles in a multi-million-dollar organized criminal enterprise that specialized in the theft of catalytic converters throughout the Delaware Valley region.

The defendants included Michael Williams, who owned and operated TDI Towing at 2335 Wheatsheaf Lane in Philadelphia, his three sons-in-law, Michael Bruce, Kevin Schwartz, and Patrick Hopkins, his wife Deborah Davalos, and her sister Lisa Davalos.

On June 27, Williams, Bruce, Schwartz, Hopkins and Deborah Davalos pleaded guilty before President Judge Raymond F. McHugh. Lisa Davalos entered a no contest plea.

Williams, 53, of Huntingdon Valley, was sentenced to 2 ½ to 5 years in state prison, followed by a consecutive term of two years of probation. He was also ordered to pay $124,900 to 157 victims.

Bruce, 32, of Sewell, N.J., was sentenced to one year less a day to two years less a day at the Bucks County Correctional Facility. Both Schwartz, 34, and Hopkins, 25, both of Huntingdon Valley, were sentenced to nine months to 23 months at the county jail and Lisa Davalos, 49, of Philadelphia, was sentenced to 90 days to 23 months in the county jail.

Deborah Davalos, 52, of Huntingdon Valley, was sentenced to two years of probation.

In June 2023, the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office announced the takedown of the catalytic converter theft ring, following a nearly yearlong investigation.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: December 13, 2024
Bucks County Suicide Prevention Task Force emphasizes the importance of reaching out with PSA

The Bucks County Suicide Prevention Task Force believes one of the most impactful things you can do is simply reach out to those you care about.   

Partnering with Bucks County Commissioner Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia, the Task Force is reminding residents during the holidays, a time of togetherness, to maintain connection throughout the year.

“Having that connectedness has shown to reduce the risk of suicidal behavior,” said Tom Roskowski, Tri-Chair of the Bucks County Suicide Prevention Taskforce. “The focus shouldn’t be just on the holidays, but after they have come to an end, we can’t lose sight and let those connections slip and wait for the next holiday to come around to reconnect.”   

The Task Force works through advocacy and education. Roskowski says, the more information the community has, the more we can do as a community to help prevent suicide losses.  

“Our hope with this PSA is that it serves as a gentle reminder that the holidays aren’t easy on everyone,” said Commissioner Marseglia.  “A text message might not feel like much, but a small gesture can go a long way.”

For more information about suicide prevention, warning signs and resources available in Bucks County visit holdonyoumatter.com. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text the National Suicide Crisis Lifeline at 988. 

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]       

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: December 13, 2024
MAN CHARGED WITH STRAW PURCHASE OF FIREARMS USED IN PHILLY VIOLENT CRIMES

A 29-year-old man was charged this week with the straw purchase of firearms from Bucks County gun stores, some which were used in violent crimes in Philadelphia.

Tahir Zahir, of Sharon Hill, Delaware County, was arraigned Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, on felony charges of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, making false statements on firearm purchase forms, unlawful sales of firearms, sales to an ineligible transferee, firearm ownership – duty of other persons, and criminal conspiracy.

He was also charged with statements under penalty and false reports.

Zahir was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Charles D. Jonas and was sent to Bucks County Correctional Facility under $1 million bail.

This investigation found that Zahir purchased 16 firearms between August 8, 2018, and June 23, 2023, from gun stores in Bucks, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Six of the firearms were purchased at Auger Precision Firearms in Croydon and one was purchased from The Bunker Gun Shop II in Chalfont.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: December 12, 2024
FALLS TOWNSHIP DRUG DEALER CONVICTED; FUGITIVE AFTER FAILING TO APPEAR ON FINAL DAY OF TRIAL

A Bucks County jury convicted a 35-year-old man on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, of several drug-dealing charges, stemming from a 2023 investigation in Falls Township.

Santeeno Deon Grant, of Falls Township, was found guilty of three counts each of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance and four counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Grant appeared for the first two days of the jury trial before Common Pleas Judge Stephen A. Corr, but he did not appear on Wednesday when the jury returned with a guilty verdict.

Grant’s bail was revoked, and he is now considered a fugitive.

This narcotics investigation was conducted by the Bucks County Detectives Drug Strike Force, with assistance of the Bucks County Detectives, South SWAT Team, Falls Township Police Department and other law enforcement agencies.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: December 12, 2024
MIDDLETOWN DOCTOR CHARGED WITH IMPROPERLY PRESCRIBING SUBOXONE TO PATIENTS

A Bucks County doctor was charged with improperly and illegally prescribing suboxone to patients at his Middleton Township basement office.

Dr. Kenneth Fox, 55, of Jenkintown, Montgomery County, was charged with 12 counts each of administration of any controlled substance by a practitioner and furnishing false or fraudulent records and three counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Fox was arraigned on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, by Magisterial District Judge Charles D. Jonas and was sent to Bucks County Correctional Facility under $75,000 bail, 10 percent.

This investigation began in November 2023 after Bucks County Detectives were informed by the Middletown Township Police Department about a complaint against Fox, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine with an office on Frosty Hollow Road.

Fox was recently fired from Jefferson Health but was still seeing patients in the basement of the same building and used suspicious and questionable practices when seeing them, detectives learned through the investigation.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: December 11, 2024
MORRISVILLE STRIP CLUB SHOOTER NOW FACES HOMICIDE CHARGE

A New Jersey man previously charged with shooting a man at a Morrisville strip club is now being charged with homicide after the victim passed away.

Pedro E. Rodriguez, 28, of Trenton, N.J., was charged Tuesday with criminal homicide, two counts each of aggravated assault and simple assault, one count each of discharging a firearm into an occupied structure and possession of an instrument of crime and 17 counts of recklessly endangering another person.

He is scheduled to be arraigned on the new charges on Friday. Rodriguez has been in Bucks County Correctional Facility since his arrest on Aug. 29, hours after the shooting at The Border Gentlemen’s Club, 440 S. Pennsylvania Ave.

At 1:14 a.m. that day, Morrisville Police were dispatched to the strip club for a reported shooting. Police located a 28-year-old victim who had been shot in the back of the head, left thigh, and the torso. He was later identified as Mekhi Norman.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: December 11, 2024
Temporary Burn Ban Expires in Bucks County

The County of Bucks has lifted its temporary ban on open burning. 

In place since Oct. 27, the ban prohibited open fires amid an extended period of dry conditions in the region. The County saw numerous brush fires during the arid stretch, several of which required large, multi-agency responses to control and extinguish. 

The Commissioners passed the temporary ban at the urging of top municipal fire officials from throughout Bucks County. After a 15-day extension, the ban was allowed to expire Tuesday. 

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected] 

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: December 9, 2024
Man Convicted in 2020 Murder of Shaquille Love in Bristol Township

A 30-year-old man was convicted of third-degree murder on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, for his role in the murder of Shaquille Love of Bristol Township four years ago.

Following a three-day waiver trial, Common Pleas Judge Wallace H. Bateman Jr. ruled that Kelvontae Nasheed Perry, of Taft Street in Bristol Township, conspired with others to shoot and kill 21-year-old Shaquille Love on Dec. 23, 2020, in the 1800 block of Edgely Road.

In addition to third-degree murder, Bateman found Perry guilty of aggravated assault, firearms not to be carried without a license, possession of an instrument of crime, possession of a weapon, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

Bateman deferred sentencing for 90 days for a pre-sentence investigation.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Kristin M. McElroy described Love as an innocent victim who was caught up in the gunfire of a violent and long-standing feud between rival Bristol Township neighborhoods.

“Enough is enough,” McElroy said in her closing arguments on Friday. “This violence in Bristol Township needs to stop.”

Love, who was not involved in the feud, was giving his friend a ride when they came across a car driven by Perry and occupied by another man. Love’s friend and Perry and his occupant were part of the rival neighborhoods.

“Shaquille Love paid the ultimate price for helping out a friend,” McElroy said.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: December 9, 2024
Prosecutors, Detectives Honored for Catalytic Converter Investigation

We are proud to announce that a prestigious award was presented to a dedicated group of Bucks County prosecutors and detectives who last year helped dismantle a multi-million-dollar organized criminal enterprise that specialized in the theft of catalytic converters throughout the Delaware Valley region.

Deputy District Attorney Edward Furman Jr., Chief Deputy District Attorney Jovin Jose, Deputy District Attorney Megan A. Hunsicker, Detective Tim Johnson and Detective Richard Munger were honored with the 2024 Investigator of the Year Award presented by the International Association of Special Investigations Units, Delaware Valley Chapter.

The award was announced during a banquet hosted by the International Association of Special Investigations Units (IASIU) and the Pennsylvania Auto Crime Investigators Association (PACIA) on Wednesday, Dec. 4, in Philadelphia.

They received this honor due to their extraordinary work in a nearly yearlong investigation that culminated in June 2023 with the charging of a Philadelphia tow yard, along with 11 adult individuals and one juvenile.

“I am so proud of this team and what they accomplished,” District Attorney Jennifer Schorn said. “This case did not just dismantle a criminal enterprise but sent a clear message to those who knowingly deal in stolen goods that we will use every resource to identify then prosecute you.”

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District Attorney News
Posted on: December 3, 2024 | Last Modified on: December 3, 2024
Bucks County Lights Police Memorial Wreath

The County of Bucks ushered in the holiday season Monday with the annual Project Blue Light wreath lighting ceremony honoring law enforcement officers lost in the line of duty.  

The wreath will remain lit through the holidays in honor of the 16 law enforcement officers from Bucks County who died in the line of duty since 1898. Adorned with blue lights and white ornaments – one ornament for each fallen officer – the wreath is displayed from the third floor of the rotunda in the County Administration Building. 

“Lighting this wreath is a simple gesture, but we must not forget that we display it to honor those who gave everything in service to their communities,” said Commissioner Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia. “I keep my porch light blue during the Christmas season, and I’m proud that for so many years we’ve able to shine blue lights here for all Bucks County residents and visitors to see.” 

This year’s honor roll includes:   

• Pennsylvania State Deputy Constable Erwin Mondeau, 1898   
• Pennsylvania State Constable Henry A. Kolbe, 1914   
• Bucks County Sheriff Abram L. Kulp, 1927   
• Quakertown Borough Police Officer Edward W. Shearer, 1936   
• Dublin Borough Police Chief Eli M. Myers, 1965   
• Bristol Township Police Detective George F. Stuckey, 1972   
• Bensalem Township Police Officer James K. Armstrong, 1975   
• Bensalem Township Police Officer Robert A. Yezzi, 1980   
• Bucks County Deputy Sheriff Thomas A. Bateman, 1986   
• Bucks County Deputy Sheriff George M. Warta, Jr., 1986   
• Bucks County Ranger Stanley E. Flynn, 1993   
• Plumstead Township Police Officer Joseph E. Hanusey III, 2002   
• Newtown Borough Police Officer Brian S. Gregg, 2005   
• Middletown Township Police Officer Christopher C. Jones, 2009   
• Bucks County Ranger Thomas Booz, 2020   
• Warrington Township K9 Officer Stephen C. Plum, 2022   

Project Blue Light is a nationwide observance begun more than 30 years ago by Dolly Craig of Philadelphia.   

PHOTO: Pictured above from left, Bucks County Director of Law Enforcement and Safety Department Rich Vona, Warrington Township Police Chief Dan Friel, Bucks County Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo, Commissioner Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia, Commissioner Vice Chair Bob Harvie, District Attorney Jennifer Schorn and Middletown Township Police Chief Joseph Bartorilla.

In 1988, Craig placed two blue candle lights in the window of her home: one in honor of her son-in-law, Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Gleason, killed in the line of duty 1986; and one for her daughter Pam, Gleason’s wife, who died in an auto crash in 1988. The couple had six children.   

Craig wrote of her simple gesture to Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) an organization dedicated to families of fallen officers, which helped the idea take hold nationally.   

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]     

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: December 2, 2024
Coroner’s Office Receives Accreditation from IACME

Bucks County Coroner Patti Campi is proud to announce that the Bucks County Coroner’s Office has earned accreditation from the International Association of Coroners & Medical Examiners (IACME).  

The Coroner’s Office received notice of accreditation late last month, with IACME’s executive director writing in a letter dated Nov. 21 that the group’s auditors found the coroner’s office “makes every effort to provide the highest level of service to the citizens, neighbors, and visitors of Bucks County.” 

“This accreditation is a testament to our dedication to serving the residents of Bucks County with professionalism, compassion and integrity,” Campi said. “It underscores our office’s commitment to transparency, quality and continuous improvement in fulfilling our vital role within the community.” 

To achieve accreditation, the Coroner’s Office self-submitted to an intensive audit process reviewing more than 285 standards including administrative, forensic, investigative and facility standards. The process ensures operating policies, procedures and practices are within international guidelines. 

The Bucks County Coroner’s Office is one of only six county coroner’s offices in the Commonwealth to achieve accreditation, and one of fewer than 50 nationwide. Accreditation from IACME lasts for five years. 

PHOTO: From left, Chief Deputy Coroner Scott Croop and Bucks County Coroner Patti Campi pictured here with International Association of Coroners & Medical Examiners (IACME) auditors Connie Jacobsen and Rae Wooten. 

The Coroner’s Office provides critical services, including the investigation of sudden, unexpected, or unnatural deaths, and plays a key role in public health and safety. Achieving IACME accreditation demonstrates the office’s alignment with best practices, ensuring the highest level of service to families, law enforcement and the judicial system. 

For more information about the Bucks County Coroner’s Office and its services click here or call 267-880-5040. 

Coroner’s Media Contact: Patti Campi, 267-880-5040, [email protected] 

About the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners (IACME): IACME is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the practice of medicolegal death investigation. Through its accreditation program, IACME promotes best practices, professional development and accountability among coroner and medical examiner offices worldwide. 

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: December 2, 2024
Drug Dealer Sentenced to State Prison for Supplying Pressed Fentanyl Pills in Bucks County

A Philadelphia man was sentenced on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, to seven to 14 years in state prison for supplying fentanyl throughout Bucks County since May 2021.

Brian Franklin, 25, pleaded guilty on Monday before Common Pleas Judge Charissa J. Liller to one count of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. In addition to the state prison sentence, the judge ordered he must have full-time employment within 60 days of his release.

Franklin was arrested in December 2023 after an investigation by the Bucks County Detectives Drug Strike Force and the Middletown Township Police Department determined he was the source supplier of fentanyl pills to other drug dealers in Bucks County since May 2021.

The pressed fentanyl pills were made to look identical to oxycodone pills.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: November 27, 2024
Bucks County Releases Preliminary 2025 Operating Budget

Bucks County today released its preliminary 2025 operating budget of $498.7 million, a 2.4 percent increase over 2024. Operating revenues are also increasing 2.4 percent maintaining balanced finances for the County in 2025. 

The proposal includes provisions for all county departments, as well as the County’s courts system and elected row offices. 

As in previous years, county departments providing public safety, health, housing and human services account for the largest portion of the preliminary budget, accounting for about 75 percent of the proposed total. 

“As with previously proposed budgets, increases in workforce salaries and benefits pose the greatest challenge in presenting a balanced budget,” said Chief Financial Officer David Boscola. “For the next few weeks, Finance will continue working with the Commissioners to ensure that all county operations are appropriately budgeted for the coming year.” 

Over the next several weeks, the commissioners will analyze the proposed 2025 budget and hold a public hearing where members of the public may ask questions and offer comments. The Commissioners are scheduled to consider and vote Wednesday, Dec. 18, on a final 2025 budget. 

Prepared each year by the Finance Department for approval by the County Commissioners, the County’s operating budget includes funding for departments and agencies serving county residents including the Area Agency on Aging (AAA), Behavioral Health/Developmental Programs, Board of Elections, Children & Youth Social Services Agency, Community Services, Corrections, Emergency Services, General Services, Health Department, Neshaminy Manor, Parks and Recreation and Veterans Affairs, among others. The County’s budget also provides for the courts and the County’s nine elected row offices, including the Clerk of Courts, Controller, Coroner, District Attorney, Prothonotary, Recorder of Deeds, Register of Wills, Sheriff and Treasurer. 

The proposed 2025 budget can be reviewed on the county’s website by clicking here. 

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected] 

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: November 25, 2024
More Drugging, Rape Charges Filed Against Andrew Gallo after Additional Victims Come Forward

The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office has filed additional charges against Andrew Gallo for drugging women he met on dating sites and raping them while they were impaired.

Gallo, 40, of Copper Beech Lane, Bristol Township, appeared at the Criminal Justice Center on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, for a preliminary hearing held before Magisterial District Judge Terrence Hughes. Gallo waived all charges to Common Pleas Court.

Hughes scheduled his formal arraignment for Dec. 27. Gallo has been in the Bucks County Correctional Facility since his arrest in September.

Before the start of the hearing, Chief Deputy District Attorney Kristin M. McElroy amended the criminal complaint to include the new set of charges. In the addendum, Gallo is charged with drugging six additional victims and raping five of them.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: November 25, 2024
Sheriff’s Office Congratulates District Attorney on Guardian of the County Award

The Bucks County Sheriff’s Office proudly congratulates District Attorney Jennifer Schorn on being honored as Guardian of the County by the Bensalem Jewish Outreach Center on November 21. 

Schorn is recognized for her tremendous efforts in protecting Bucks County during her 25 years in the District Attorney’s Office where she began her tenure as an Assistant District Attorney in 1999. She was nominated for the award by Sheriff Frederick Harran, who is honored to serve Bucks County alongside Schorn. At the ceremony, Dr. Mihn Bui was also presented with the Community Service Award for his work as the owner of People’s Choice Urgent Care in Bensalem since 2019. Bui dedicated over 30 years to working in emergency medicine until fulfilling his dream of opening an urgent care. 

The Sheriff’s Office commends Schorn and Bui for their years of service and extends sincere appreciation for the work they do.

 Awardees Schorn and Bui, along with Bensalem Outreach members, at the annual dinner.

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Sheriff
Posted on: November 21, 2024
Bucks County Extends Burn Ban for 15 Days

The County of Bucks has extended its temporary burn ban through mid-December.

The ban, which has been in effect since Oct. 27, prohibits open fires, including the incineration of garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter, paper and other materials whether in burn barrels, fire rings or on the ground. The extended ban now also includes the use of fireworks.

Initially approved for 30 days, the Bucks County Commissioners on Wednesday passed a 15-day ban extension.

This ban does not prohibit the use of propane or gas stoves, charcoal briquet grills, or the use of tobacco in any form. Campfires in campgrounds are allowed in fire rings that confine and contain the campfire, and where all flammable materials have been removed for a radius of 5 feet.

The temporary ban was passed at the urging of top municipal fire officials from throughout Bucks County who requested the measure in response to the extended period of dry conditions affecting the area since late summer.

Under state law, a violation of this ban is a summary offense punishable by fines starting at $100 for a first offense.

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: November 21, 2024
FALLS TOWNSHIP MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO KILLING MOTHER, SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON

A 30-year-old man pleaded guilty on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, to second-degree murder for the killing of his mother in April 2023 and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Sean Rivera, of Berwyn Road, Morrisville, Falls Township, drugged 72-year-old Carol J. Clark by putting fentanyl in her iced tea and then drove her to Philadelphia where he shot and killed her, leaving her body in a shed that he shut with a padlock.

On Thursday, Rivera entered guilty pleas to second-degree murder, kidnapping to facilitate a felony, kidnaping to inflict terror or injury, aggravated assault, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of an instrument of crime, possession of a weapon, false imprisonment, unlawful restraint, and recklessly endangering another person.

“The facts of this case are horrific,” Common Pleas Judge Stephen A. Corr said in accepting a negotiated plea from Rivera.

Corr sentenced Rivera to life in prison on the murder charge, and a concurrent sentence of 28 to 56 years on the remaining charges. Additionally, Corr ordered that Rivera have no contact with remaining family members and ordered that he undergo a mental health and drug and alcohol evaluation.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: November 21, 2024
MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO BRISTOL TOWNSHIP CRASH THAT KILLED CONNECTICUT COUPLE

A 32-year-old man pleaded guilty on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, to causing the Bristol Township crash that claimed the lives of a couple from Connecticut in February.

John Thomas Wadlinger Jr., of Bensalem, entered an open plea before Common Pleas Judge C. Theodore Fritsch, Jr. to 20 counts, including two counts each of homicide by vehicle while DUI and homicide by vehicle.

Fritsch ordered a pre-sentence investigation and sentencing was deferred for 60 days.

A joint investigation by the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, the Bristol Township Police Department, and the Plumstead Township Police Department, found that Wadlinger was under the influence of methamphetamine and amphetamine when he sped through a traffic intersection on Feb. 24 and crashed into a car, killing Rebecca Whiddon, 33, and Richard Whiddon, 37, both of Brooklyn, Conn.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: November 18, 2024
Statement from Board of Elections Chair Bob Harvie

Over the last few days, we’ve heard a lot of rhetoric and innuendo regarding votes taken last week by the Board of Elections. Most egregious have been the baseless claims that members of the Board were attempting to sway the outcome of an election by choosing to count certain mail-in and provisional ballots. These claims are unequivocally nonsense. 

The decisions the Board rendered last week are consistent with its long-standing practice of fighting to protect the rights of registered Bucks County voters who made some immaterial mistake on their ballot envelopes or, even worse, suffered mistakes made by election workers, but who nonetheless cast ballots in an effort to have their vote count. Whatever candidates those ballots do or do not lift to victory is up to the voters, and is not the concern of the Board.   

In the case of undated and misdated mail-in ballots cast in this election, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has told us today that those votes cast by registered Bucks County voters shall not be counted for the purposes of the Nov. 5, 2024, General Election. This is precisely the clarity we were seeking from the Courts in this matter. The Board of Elections will of course comply with the order of the Court. 

As the issue of undated and misdated ballots remains very much alive before both state and federal courts, we look forward to seeing these cases decided on the merits. 

In its four years serving as the Board of Elections, this Administration has overseen elections won by both major parties, and has certified the results of those contests – affirming the will of the voters of Bucks County – without hesitation. In that respect, this year has been and will be no different.  

Unfortunately, because this story has been picked up by national media outlets and has gone viral on social media, members of this Board, their families and County staff have been subject to threats and harassment at levels unprecedented under this Administration. We condemn these pathetic actions in no uncertain terms and have turned over these calls and messages to law enforcement. There is no place for that type of behavior in a democracy.   

And for those who might be interested, the unofficial tallies of votes in the U.S. Senate race from the mail-in and provisional ballots challenged in this election, which have been shared with both political parties, will be listed below. These numbers make clear, as has been known by both parties, that these votes were never going to alter the outcome of this race. 

Mail-in Ballots

• Casey – 225
• McCormick – 182

Provisional Ballots

• Casey – 101
• McCormick – 106

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: November 15, 2024
Former Neshaminy Kids Club Employee Sentenced to Decades in State Prison for Sexual Assault of Seven

Gerald William Spoto, a former Neshaminy Kids Club employee, was sentenced on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, to 35 to 88 years in state prison for sexually assaulting several boys and photographing and filming some of the abuse.

In July, Spoto, 42, of Disk Lane in Bristol Township, pleaded guilty to nearly three dozen counts, most of them felonies, for the sexual assault of the seven victims.

The victims and their families packed a Bucks County courtroom Friday and presented more than a dozen victim impact statements to Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey L. Finley, detailing the trauma they’ve endured since they were abused by Spoto.

Six of the victims are now adults and continue to suffer from psychological and emotional effects, including substance abuse, depression, suicidal thoughts and sleeping disorders, they said in impact statements.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: November 7, 2024
Two Sentenced to up to Decade in Prison for Hilltown Township Home-Invasion Robbery

Two men were sentenced on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, to five to 10 years in state prison for committing a home-invasion robbery in Hilltown Township where they posed as sheriff’s deputies.

Zbigniew Still, 22, of Philadelphia, and Jarrett Fort, 19 of Glenside, pleaded guilty to robbery, burglary, conspiracy to commit robbery, and two counts of theft by unlawful taking.

Common Pleas Judge Stephen A. Corr sentenced them both to five to 10 years on the robbery charge and a concurrent three-to-six-year sentence on the burglary charge.

“I am proud of the great work done in this case,” District Attorney Jennifer Schorn said. “Thankfully home invasion robberies are exceptionally rare in Bucks County.  However, when they do happen, law enforcement  will devote countless resources to identify and apprehend the perpetrators and we will prosecute to the fullest extent.”

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District Attorney News
Posted on: October 31, 2024
Bristol Township Man Found Guilty of Repeatedly Raping Girl

A 52-year-old man was convicted on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, of repeatedly raping a girl in Bristol Township.

Carlos Navedo, of Bristol Township, was found guilty by a Bucks County jury of rape of a child, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, unlawful contact with a minor, and corruption of minors.

The trial began on Monday. Following the conviction, Common Pleas Judge Stephen A. Corr scheduled sentencing for Jan. 30 after Navedo undergoes an evaluation from the Sex Offender Assessment Board.

The investigation found that Navedo raped the girl from January 2021 to December 2023. The victim, who is now 13, courageously testified on the first day of trial.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: October 31, 2024
Bucks County Medication Collection A Success

On Saturday, October 26, 2024, Bucks County Law Enforcement officers collected unused, expired medications and sharps for safe disposal as part of Bucks County’s local observation of the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Over 9,954.58 pounds of medications, vaping products and 639.15 pounds of sharps were collected from 46 public sites including police headquarters, businesses, libraries, fire departments, hospitals and municipal buildings. 

Since 2010, 230,969.50. pounds of medications have been collected and incinerated. NARCAN® (Naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray, a nasal form of naloxone for the emergency treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose, was also available for local pick up at fourteen of the collection sites. For more information about how Bucks residents can obtain Narcan at no cost, please contact Mallory Perrotti ([email protected], 215-444-2785) or visit bcdac.org. 

It is important to follow safe practices with all medications. This includes storing medications properly, taking medications only as prescribed, not sharing with others, and safely disposing of both prescribed and over-the-counter medications in a local medication drop box or at a Take Back collection event. 

For those who missed the collection event on Saturday, free and anonymous medication disposal is available year-round via any of the 44 permanent drop boxes located in police stations and hospitals throughout Bucks County. For more information about accepted items or to find a permanent drop-box location near you, please visit www.bcdac.org. 

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: October 30, 2024
Board of Elections Extends On-Demand Voting through Nov. 1

In Bucks County, we believe strongly in voter enfranchisement. This administration has spent the last five years in office working tirelessly to make it easier for people to vote via whatever method they choose – whether by mail, on-demand or at the polls. 

In accordance with today’s court ruling, we are pleased to be able to offer additional days for those who are still seeking to vote on-demand. Our Board of Elections Office will be open during regular business hours through Nov. 1 for voters who wish to apply for, receive, and return an on-demand mail-in ballot. 

We are thankful to our Board of Elections staff for their professionalism, and we ask that County residents extend to them consideration, understanding and kindness while they do the important work of conducting a free and fair election. 

This administration continues to ask the Pennsylvania General Assembly for much needed reform and clarity in the election law and to codify what is being decided in courts around the Commonwealth. 

Media Contact: James O’Malley, [email protected] 

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: October 25, 2024 | Last Modified on: October 25, 2024
Temporary Ban on Open Burning Issued for Bucks County

A temporary burn ban will take effect Sunday for all of Bucks County.

Issued today by a resolution of the Board of Commissioners, the ban will last 30 days.

The ban prohibits open fires, including the incineration of garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter, paper and other materials whether in burn barrels, fire rings or on the ground. 

The temporary ban comes at the urging of top municipal fire officials from throughout Bucks County who requested the measure in response to the extended period of dry conditions affecting the area.

This ban does not prohibit the use of propane or gas stoves, charcoal briquet grills, or the use of tobacco in any form. Campfires in campgrounds are allowed in fire rings that confine and contain the campfire, and where all flammable materials have been removed for a radius of 5 feet.

Under state law, a violation of this ban is a summary offense punishable by fines starting at $100 for a first offense.

Click here to read the full resolution.

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: October 24, 2024
Board of Elections Issues Bipartisan Statement on Fake Ballot Video

The Bucks County Board of Elections is aware of a video circulated this afternoon on social media purporting to show Bucks County mail-in ballots being opened and destroyed. This video is fake. 

The envelope and materials depicted in this video are clearly not authentic materials belonging to or distributed by the Bucks County Board of Elections.

The video has been reported to law enforcement, including the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the FBI, as well as the Pennsylvania Department of State. 

The Board of Elections – Chair Bob Harvie, Vice Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia and Gene DiGirolamo – have issued the following bipartisan statement: 

“This type of behavior is meant to sow division and distrust in our election systems, and makes a mockery of the people working incredibly hard to ensure a free and fair election is carried out. The Board of Elections unequivocally condemns this purposeful spreading of dangerous disinformation. We will not be distracted from the job the voters of Bucks County have entrusted to us.” 

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]  

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: October 24, 2024
Statement in Response to Fake Ballot Video

The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office and the Yardley Borough Police Department are aware of a video circulating on social media appearing to show the destruction of election ballots. Our investigation has concluded that this video was fabricated in an attempt to undermine confidence in the upcoming election.

Our office is in contact with the Federal Bureau of Investigation who will be attempting to locate the source of this manufactured video.

We want to thank the public and the county’s Board of Elections for bringing this to our attention. The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office will not tolerate any voter suppression, intimidation, or fraud.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: October 24, 2024
Upper Bucks Bridge Named for Airman Killed in Vietnam War

The County of Bucks on Tuesday dedicated County-owned Bridge #241 in memory of U.S. Air Force Capt. Fred Rost Tice, a Bucks County airman who was killed in a plane crash during the Vietnam War.

Tice, 33, was aboard a C-130A Hercules cargo plane on Sept. 18, 1965, that crashed while attempting to land at Qui Nhon Airfield during a rainstorm. 

One of four killed in the crash, Tice was nearing the end of his combat deployment and was set to become an instructor training other airmen.

“I am in awe that in 1965, when the rest of the country was not supporting what was going on in Vietnam, he found the strength to go over,” said Commissioner Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia. “Now we are all intertwined with Capt. Tice, and I believe that we will all remember – people who cross the bridge forever – will always remember him.”

The bridge named for Tice, a 1961 graduate of Hilltown High School, crosses Pleasant Spring Creek along Orchard Road in Hilltown Township. It is the thirteenth County-owned bridge since 2022 to be named for a local soldier lost in the Vietnam War. 

The dedications are part of the County’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge Program, which honors the 136 Bucks County residents lost in the Vietnam War. The County administers the program in partnership with Bucks County-based veterans’ advocate Ed Preston, who chairs the Pennsylvania Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (PAVVMF).

View more photos from this event and others on the County’s Flickr page.

To learn more about the program and the men it is meant to honor, visit BucksCounty.gov/MemorialBridges. 

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: October 18, 2024
Bucks County Straw Purchaser Sentenced to 10-20 Years in State Prison

A 25-year-old man who made several straw purchases of firearms at Bucks County gun stores was sentenced on Friday to serve up to two decades in a state correctional institution.

Cody Kirk McInnis, of Bristol Township, pleaded guilty in August to 12 felony counts of making false statements on firearm purchase forms, 11 counts each of firearm ownership – duty of other persons and filing false reports and two counts of criminal conspiracy.

In addition to a state prison sentence of 10 to 20 years, Common Pleas Judge Wallace H. Bateman Jr. ordered that McInnis not possess or own firearms and ammunition.

In court Friday, McInnis admitted to selling the firearms to others but denied remembering who he sold them to.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: October 17, 2024
Charges Held for Trial Against Driver Who Caused Fatal Hilltown Crash

Charges against a 25-year-old man accused of causing a fatal crash in Hilltown Township in June were held for trial following a preliminary hearing at the Criminal Justice Center.

Colin John Wahlers, of Perkasie, is charged with being heavily intoxicated when he fled from a Hilltown Township police officer on June 2, leading to a crash that claimed the life of his passenger, 35-year-old Joseph Kay.

Three law enforcement officers testified before Magisterial District Judge Regina Armitage during the hearing Thursday morning in a packed courtroom. She found that enough evidence was presented to send all charges against Wahlers to the Court of Common Pleas.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: October 10, 2024
DISTRICT ATTORNEYS CALL FOR INCREASED FEDERAL FUNDING FOR HIDTA TO AID IN FIGHT AGAINST FENTANYL

District Attorneys from all four Philadelphia suburban counties—Chester County’s Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe, Bucks County’s Jennifer Schorn, Montgomery County’s Kevin R. Steele and Delaware County’s Jack Stollsteimer—are speaking out in support of recently introduced federal legislation that would increase funding for the funding to investigate and prosecute fentanyl traffickers.

The legislation, the HIDTA Enhancement Act of 2024, reauthorizes the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program through 2030 and increases HIDTA’s authorized funding to combat Fentanyl trafficking and aid federal prosecutors in fentanyl trafficking prosecutions. The bi-partisan legislation was introduced on September 26, 2024, by Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).

Fentanyl is a significant problem in communities across Southeastern Pennsylvania and across the United States. In 2023, 106,876 people died from a drug overdose, with 74,088 of those deaths involving fentanyl, according to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The opioid overdose crisis has torn apart countless communities and families across the country, and the prevalence and availability of fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances in jurisdictions nationwide have perpetuated and exacerbated this deadly epidemic. The HIDTA Enhancement Act would help combat the ongoing opioid overdose crisis, which has tragically claimed so many lives and torn apart countless families and communities.

Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties are all members of the Liberty Mid-Atlantic HIDTA, which serves the greater Philadelphia area. HIDTA provides critical intelligence information, funding and enhanced partnerships with state and federal law enforcement that allow drug trafficking organizations to be investigated across county and state lines.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: October 7, 2024
Milford Township Chop Shop Dismantled; Six Charged

Six men were charged recently after state police investigators took down a chop shop in Milford Township where hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen parts were sold to the Dominican Republic.

During the investigation, police located several stolen vehicles and stacks of stolen vehicle parts that were ready to be shipped overseas inside a garage at 2150 Rosedale Road.

Those charged are:

Aldenis Gonzalez-Caceres, 52, of Milford Township; Alexander G. Espinal De Jesus, 48, of North Chesterfield, Virginia; Rahinier Antonio Paulino, 31, of Bronx, N.Y.; Ricky M. Paulino, 26, of Bronx, N.Y.; Lenny Gomez-Santos, 47, of Allentown; and Luis F. Hernandez Infante, 23, of Yonkers, N.Y.

Gonzalez-Caceres rented the Milford Township garage where 12 stolen vehicles and several vehicle engines and other parts were located.

Five of the six are currently in custody.

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District Attorney News
Posted on: October 4, 2024
Ballot Drop Boxes Open Starting Oct. 7

General Election season is in full swing in Bucks County with mail-in ballots headed to voters and three Official Ballot Drop Boxes set to open.

As of Thursday afternoon, approximately 80,000 mail-in and absentee ballots had been mailed to voters in Bucks County with tens of thousands more to be sent in the coming days.

Ballot Drop Boxes in County offices will open during regular business hours starting Monday, Oct. 7.

“Here in Bucks County we are committed to conducting a free and fair election to the high standard our residents have come to expect,” said Commissioner Vice Chair Bob Harvie, who also serves as Chair of the Board of Elections. “Our staff in the Board of Elections Office is working overtime – in some cases literally – to make all the preparations necessary for a successful Election Day this Nov. 5.”

Drop Boxes opening Oct. 7 are located at:

Upper Bucks Government Services Center261 California RoadQuakertown, PA 18951 

Bucks County Administration Building55 E. Court StreetDoylestown, PA 18901

Lower Bucks Government Services Center7321 New Falls RoadLevittown, PA 19055

“On-Demand” mail-in ballots will be available at the three County government office locations starting Oct. 15. 

Drop Boxes in libraries throughout Bucks County are scheduled to open Oct. 21. For a full schedule of Drop Box hours and locations visit BucksCounty.gov/BallotBoxes.

All Ballot Drop Boxes are staffed by a Board of Elections employee while open for use, and are under 24-hour video surveillance.

Voters are reminded that, to ensure their vote is counted, ballots must be sealed inside the yellow secrecy envelope, which must be then sealed inside the provided return envelope. Return envelopes must be signed and dated.

As in previous elections, the County is providing postage for return envelopes, so voters won’t need to use a stamp to cast their ballot. 

Ballots for the 2024 General Election must be returned to the Board of Elections – whether by mail, through an Official Ballot Drop Box or in person – no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5.

For more information on voting in Bucks County, including how to apply for a mail-in ballot and a list of important election deadlines, visit BucksCounty.gov/Elections. 

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: September 25, 2024
Commissioner Chair, Sheriff Partner for Suicide Prevention Effort

Concealed carry permits in Bucks County will now come paired with suicide prevention information thanks to a new joint initiative by County Administration and the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office.

Commissioner Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW, and Sheriff Fred Harran announced the program’s launch Wednesday in a video posted online.

“As a social worker, I’m concerned about people who feel suicidal. I also lost a child to suicide, so it’s something that’s very important to me,” Marseglia said. “I’m glad to be able to partner with Sheriff Harran on this important effort.”

As Suicide Prevention Month comes to a close, the new initiative looks to place lifesaving facts and resources in the hands of gun owners:

• Men over 55 are at the highest risk of suicide
• Access to firearms greatly increases the risk of suicide
• Suicidal feelings can come on suddenly and feel overwhelming
• Help is available

Going forward, the suicide prevention cards – which include a plea to those experiencing thoughts of suicide to call or text 988, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – will be a “new constant” in the Sheriff’s Office, Harran said.

“As a law enforcement officer for 38 years, I can’t even begin to count the amount of times that we had to tell a parent or a loved one that their loved one has died by firearm or suicide,” he said. “Call. We want to be here to help you in that time of crisis.”

For more information about Concealed Carry permits, visit the Sheriff’s Office’s website.

To learn more about the warning signs of suicide and suicide prevention, visit the Bucks County Suicide Prevention Task Force’s website holdonyoumatter.com.

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: September 20, 2024 | Last Modified on: September 25, 2024
Upper Bucks Bridge Named for Marine Killed in Vietnam War

The County of Bucks on Thursday dedicated County-owned Bridge #226 in memory of LCpl. Victor Monroe DeWalt, an Upper Bucks Marine killed by friendly fire during the Vietnam War.

LCpl. Victor Monroe DeWalt was part of a patrol on Nov. 6, 1970, in Vietnam’s Quang Nam Province that was mistaken by another patrol group for enemy activity. The latter patrol ordered an artillery strike on DeWalt’s group’s position.

DeWalt, who was one of 11 casualties from the incident, was gravely injured and succumbed to his wounds on Nov. 10, 1970. The 21-year-old Marine was one of three men who died as a result of the mishap.

PHOTO: Bucks County Bridge #226 on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, was renamed in honor of LCpl. Victor Monroe DeWalt. Members of the late Marine’s family who attended Thursday’s dedication ceremony are pictured above with veteran advocates and County officials.

At the time of his death, DeWalt had been in Vietnam for six months, and had served 29 months in the U.S. Marine Corps. Prior to joining the Marines, DeWalt attended Palisades High School.

“It is our youngest generation that we send off to protect us, to serve us and to keep us free,” said Commissioner Vice Chair Bob Harvie. “We think about the family [DeWalt] left behind, but we also think about the family he never had a chance to have. That’s the sacrifice we honor.

PHOTO: Bucks County Veterans Affairs Director Matt Allen speaks Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, during a dedication ceremony in which Bucks County Bridge #226 was renamed in honor of LCpl. Victor Monroe DeWalt.

The bridge named for DeWalt crosses Cooks Creek along Stouts Valley Road in Durham Township. It is the twelfth County-owned bridge since 2022 to be named for a local soldier lost in the Vietnam War. 

The dedications are part of the County’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge Program, which honors the 136 Bucks County residents lost in the Vietnam War. The County administers the program in partnership with Bucks County-based veterans’ advocate Ed Preston, who chairs the Pennsylvania Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (PAVVMF). 

Click here to view more photos from Thursday’s ceremony. 

To learn more about the program and the men it is meant to honor, visit BucksCounty.gov/MemorialBridges. 

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: August 22, 2024
Election Alert: Third-party Calls & Texts

The Bucks County Board of Elections is making residents aware of a potential voter intimidation/misinformation effort underway. 

It has been reported to Bucks County Board of Elections officials by numerous individuals that a group representing themselves as “Voter Protection” or “Volunteers with Voter Protection” is calling or texting voters to inform them that there is: 

• Some discrepancy in their voter information/their voter information is incorrect. 
• They were not registered/are no longer registered. 
• They would not be receiving a mail-in ballot because their identification was wrong. 
• Their April Primary vote wasn’t counted due to voter ID status issues. 

So far, these calls/texts derive from non-Bucks County area codes and ultimately instruct voters to then “call the Board of Elections” and provide a number to do so. 

These calls are designed to sound official but are not authorized by, nor connected in any way to, the Bucks County Board of Elections. Upon checking voter records of those Bucks residents who reported being contacted by these individuals, no such discrepancies or issues were found with those voters’ records, or their votes being counted.  

Should the Bucks County Board of Elections need to call you, they will always identify themselves as an employee and the caller ID will read “County of Bucks” “215-348-6000.” The Bucks County Board of Elections primarily corresponds with voters via official mail sent through the United States Postal Service. 

“This is yet another attempt to sow confusion, distrust, and misinformation in our election process and disenfranchise duly registered voters. The Bucks County Board of Elections condemns this fraudulent activity in the strongest possible terms and has referred these messages to the District Attorney,” said Bucks County Board of Elections Chairman Bob Harvie.  

“My message to those perpetrating this behavior is: we will not be intimidated by rogue groups seeking to undermine our democratic institutions. We will continue to remain vigilant in conducting free and fair elections. We will ensure that every vote is counted. Voters will not be threatened on my watch.”  

The Bucks County Board of Elections encourages voters to remain vigilant. Anyone receiving these types of messages or other elections communications they consider potentially intimidating or fraudulent should contact the Board of Elections at 215-348-6154 to file a report.

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: August 19, 2024
BCDH to Spray for Mosquitoes in Bristol Township

The Bucks County Department of Health (BCDH) West Nile Virus Mosquito Control Program will conduct an ultra-low volume (ULV) mosquito control operation on Wednesday, Aug. 21, to reduce high populations of nuisance mosquitoes and mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile Virus in Bristol Township.

The treatment will be administered via truck-mounted equipment, spraying mosquito habitats in residential and park locations. Trucks used in the spray are identified with Bucks County seal logos located on the doors. The equipment dispenses Duet at a rate of 0.75 ounces per acre. This product is designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations. These application materials have a very low toxicity profile to mammals and will have negligible impact to non-target insects and the environment.

Treatments will occur in Bristol Township areas bounded by Broadway Ave., Veterans Hwy. (413), Newport Road, Dixon Ave., Franklin Ave., Elm Ave., Bellevue Ave., Filbert Ave., Summit Ave., Emily Ave., Delaware Ave., Rosa Ave., Cedar Ave., State Road, Church Street, Pennsylvania Ave., Linton Ave., Bristol Pike (US 13), Janet Ave., Norwood Ave., Prospect Ave., and Dolphin Ave.

Treatments are expected to occur between the hours of 7:30 PM and 11:00 PM.

Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which can cause humans to contract West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis.

Weather conditions and other unexpected events could delay or cancel this spray operation. If conditions do not allow application on Aug. 21, subsequently Thursday evening, Aug. 22 will serve as the back-up spray date.

For additional information about adult mosquitoes and West Nile Virus, please go to www.dep.pa.gov/westnile. The Bucks County Department of Health can be reached at 215-345-3318.

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: August 12, 2024
BCDH to Spray for Mosquitoes in Warrington Township

The Bucks County Department of Health (BCDH) West Nile Virus Mosquito Control Program will conduct an ultra-low volume (ULV) mosquito control operation Wednesday, Aug. 14, to reduce high populations of nuisance mosquitoes and mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile virus in Warrington Township. 

The treatment will be administered via truck-mounted equipment, spraying mosquito habitats in residential and park locations. Trucks used in the spray are identified with Bucks County seal logos located on the doors. The equipment dispenses Duet at a rate of 0.75 ounces per acre. This product is designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations. These application materials have a very low toxicity profile to mammals and will have negligible impact to non-target insects and the environment.    

Treatments will occur in Warrington Township areas bounded by Easton Road/611, Oxford Drive, Suzann Drive, Lisa Drive, Bristol Road, Arabian Road, Valley Road, Palomino Drive, Carriage Way, Philadelphia Ave., Neshaminy Ave., Rodgers Ave., and Blackhorse Drive In addition, areas bound by Redstone Drive, Garden Ave., and Bradford Ave. will be treated. John Paul Park at Lower Nike, Lion’s Pride Park, and trails within these parks will also be treated.   

Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which can cause humans to contract West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis.  

Weather conditions and other unexpected events could delay or cancel this spray operation. If conditions do not allow application on Aug. 14, subsequently Thursday evening, Aug. 15 will serve as the back-up spray date.   

For additional information about adult mosquitoes and West Nile virus, please go to http://www.dep.pa.gov/westnile. The Bucks County Department of Health can be reached at 215-345-3318.

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: August 9, 2024
BCDH to Spray for Mosquitoes in Bristol Twp., Falls, Tullytown

The Bucks County Department of Health (BCDH) West Nile Virus Mosquito Control Program will conduct an ultra-low volume (ULV) mosquito control operation Monday, Aug. 12, to reduce high populations of nuisance mosquitoes and mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile virus in Bristol Township, Falls Township and Tullytown Borough. 

The treatment will be administered via truck-mounted equipment, spraying mosquito habitats in residential and park locations. Trucks used in the spray are identified with Bucks County seal logos located on the doors. The equipment dispenses Duet at a rate of 0.75 ounces per acre. This product is designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations. These application materials have a very low toxicity profile to mammals and will have negligible impact to non-target insects and the environment. 

Treatments will occur in Bristol Township areas bounded by New Falls Road, Magnolia Drive and Levittown Parkway. 

Treatments will occur in Falls Township areas bounded by New Falls Road, Penn Valley Road, Bald Cypress Lane, Elderberry Drive, Pinewood Drive and Levittown Parkway. 

Treatments will occur in Tullytown Borough areas bounded by Pinewood Drive. 

Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which can cause humans to contract West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis. 

Weather conditions and other unexpected events could delay or cancel this spray operation. If conditions do not allow application on Aug. 12, subsequently Tuesday evening, Aug. 13, will serve as the back-up spray date.

For additional information about adult mosquitoes and West Nile virus, please go to www.dep.pa.gov/westnile. The Bucks County Department of Health can be reached at 215-345-3318.

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: August 7, 2024
Agriculture: “Facts and Farm Stories”

Agriculture supports one in ten jobs in Pennsylvania, according to the PA Department of Ag. In Bucks County, Delaware Valley University is training the farmers and ag. Professionals of the future. 

In this episode, you’ll hear about the changes the county has gone through when it comes to agriculture from William Penn to Del Val, and in between we learn about Commissioners Bob Harvie and Diane Ellis-Marseglia’s family roots in the county. 

Bucks County Conversations is a podcast that captures real conversations happening within Bucks County’s government. Each episode features topical, important discussions about the county, including key points of the Bucks County Commissioners’ meeting, and discussion of new projects, initiatives and upcoming events. Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Media Contact: Charlotte Reese, 215-348-6430, [email protected] 

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: August 6, 2024
BCDH to Spray for Mosquitoes in Falls, Lower Makefield, Morrisville

The Bucks County Department of Health (BCDH) West Nile Virus Mosquito Control Program will conduct an ultra-low volume (ULV) mosquito control operation Wednesday, Aug. 7, to reduce high populations of nuisance mosquitoes and mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile virus in Falls Township, Lower Makefield Township, and Morrisville Borough. 

The treatment will be administered via truck-mounted equipment, spraying mosquito habitats in residential and park locations. Trucks used in the spray are identified with Bucks County seal logos located on the doors. The equipment dispenses Duet at a rate of 0.75 ounces per acre. This product is designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations. These application materials have a very low toxicity profile to mammals and will have negligible impact to non-target insects and the environment. 

Treatments will occur in Falls Township areas bounded by W. Post Road, East Post Road, S. Pennsylvania Ave. and New Tyburn Road. 

Treatments will occur in Lower Makefield Township areas bounded by Kathy Drive, River Road, Richard Road, and Manor Ln W. In addition, areas bound by Makefield Road, Sutphin Road, Yardley Morrisville Road, W. Ferry Road, and Big Oak Road will be treated. 

Treatments will occur in Morrisville Borough areas bounded by W. Philadelphia Ave., Riverview Ave., Riverside Ave., S. Pennsylvania Ave., W. Post Road, E. Post Road, and Wright Ave. 

Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which can cause humans to contract West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis. 

Weather conditions and other unexpected events could delay or cancel this spray operation. If conditions do not allow application on Aug. 7, subsequently Thursday evening, Aug. 8, will serve as the back-up spray date. 

For additional information about adult mosquitoes and West Nile virus, please go to www.dep.pa.gov/westnile. The Bucks County Department of Health can be reached at 215-345-3318.

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: August 1, 2024
Bucks County Issues Excessive Heat Warning through Friday

An Excessive Heat Warning will be in effect in Bucks County from 10 a.m. Thursday through Friday evening.

With temperatures forecast in the 90s, cooling centers in Upper, Central and Lower Bucks will be open for the duration of the advisory to seniors and people experiencing homelessness who are seeking refuge from the heat.

The following cooling centers will operate from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day unless otherwise noted:

Bensalem Senior Citizens Association1850 Byberry RoadBensalem, PA 19020215-638-7720

Bristol Borough Senior Center301 Wood StreetBristol, PA 19007215-788-9238

Morrisville Senior Service Center31 E. Cleveland AvenueMorrisville, PA 19067215-295-0567

Quakertown Masonic Lodge501 W. Broad StreetQuakertown, PA 18951267-450-5191

Riegelsville Borough Hall615 Easton RoadRiegelsville, PA 18077610-749-2726

Ringing Rocks Campground75 Woodland DriveUpper Black Eddy, PA 18972610-982-5552*CLOSES AT 7 P.M.*

YMCA of Bucks County – Warminster Branch 624 York RoadWarminster, PA 18974267-387-9622

YMCA of Bucks County – Fairless Hills Branch601 S. Oxford Valley RoadFairless Hills, PA 19030215-949-3400

Senior centers throughout Bucks County also are open and available daily to residents 55 and over. Check with your local senior center for hours of operation and details. 

The county generally issues an Excessive Heat Warning when the National Weather Service forecasts daytime temperatures will reach 95 degrees by 11 a.m. on two or more consecutive days, or when heat indexes will reach 100 degrees on any given day.

Municipalities or nonprofit agencies interested in participating in this program in the future should contact Bucks County Emergency Services at 215-340-8700.

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: July 31, 2024
County Names Bridge for Upper Bucks Teen Killed in Vietnam War

The County of Bucks on Tuesday dedicated County-owned bridge #48 in Bedminster Township in memory of U.S. Army Specialist 4th Class (SP4) Patrick J. Breslin, a Bucks County resident who died while serving in the Vietnam War.

Breslin, 19, was serving as crew chief and door gunner aboard a Bell UH-1H Huey helicopter that crashed Oct. 17, 1971, in the South China Sea killing Breslin and two others. 

The four-man chopper crew stationed at Chu Lai had been assigned the night perimeter detail amid deteriorating weather conditions. The lone surviving crew member later reported that the men on board heard a loud thump against the aircraft just before the crash.

After attending Pennridge High School, Breslin entered the Army in June 1970, received helicopter training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and was sent to Vietnam in May 1971.

PHOTO: From left, Veterans Advocate Peter Chong, from the office of Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick; Commissioner Vice Chair Bob Harvie; Jessica Bonner, sister of SP4 Patrick J. Breslin; Bucks County Veterans Affairs Director Matt Allen; Mike Bonner, holding a framed photograph of Breslin; Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo; PAVVMF Chair Ed Preston.

“As you’ve heard, Patrick was 19 years old when he lost his life,” said Commissioner Vice Chair Bob Harvie. “It is young men and women who we task with the protection and defense of this country, and of liberty around the world. And it’s all the more heartbreaking when that sacrifice is the ultimate one.”

Breslin had been in Vietnam five months before his death. He is buried in Sellersville at St. Agnes Catholic Cemetery.

The bridge named for Breslin crosses Deep Run along Rolling Hills Road in Bedminster Township. It is the eleventh County-owned bridge since 2022 to be named for a local soldier lost in the Vietnam War. 

The dedications are part of the County’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge Program, which honors the 136 Bucks County residents lost in the Vietnam War. The County administers the program in partnership with Bucks County-based veterans’ advocate Ed Preston, who chairs the Pennsylvania Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (PAVVMF).  

To learn more about the program and the men it is meant to honor, visit BucksCounty.gov/MemorialBridges. 

Click here to view more photos from Tuesday’s dedication ceremony.

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: July 22, 2024
Bucks County Parks and Recreation Survey Seeks Community Input

The Bucks County Parks and Recreation Department has launched a survey to ensure County-owned parks and recreation sites meet the standards and expectations of residents and visitors. 

The survey will inform Parks’ four-phase Comprehensive Recreation, Parks and Open Space (CRPOS) Plan, and will help the department understand how people use the park system, what works well and what can be improved.

“The plan will provide forward-thinking and actional recommendations to improve the County Park System,” Bucks County Parks and Recreation Executive Director Angie Nagle explained during a July Commissioners’ meeting. 

Photo: A flock of ducks swimming in Lake Galena at Peace Valley Nature Center in the fall of 2023. 

The County Park System spans more than 9,000 acres and includes parks, recreational facilities, historic sites and nature centers.

The goal of the Comprehensive Plan is to rethink the County’s parks, open space and natural resources as one cohesive system with the same principles: 

• Sustainability and Environment 
• Accessibility, Connectivity, Equity and Inclusion 
• Adaptability to Current and Future Needs 
• Long-Term Maintenance and Stewardship. 

Phase one of the project involves learning from residents and non-residents who enjoy Bucks County’s Park System. The survey is available online and Parks and Recreation staff will be collecting feedback at several upcoming community events including the Grange Fair, Arthropalooza at Churchville Nature Center and a volunteer day at Silver Lake Nature Center. 

Nagel says she will provide updates as the Comprehensive Plan moves into each stage. The next phases of the plan include Ideating & Testing, Refining & Prioritizing and then Launching into Action towards the end of 2025.  

The survey is open through December. More information about the Comprehensive Plan can be found here. 

Photo: A butterfly landing on a flower at Churchville Nature Center’s butterfly preserve. 

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: July 19, 2024
BCDH to Spray for Mosquitoes in Falls, Bensalem Townships

The Bucks County Department of Health (BCDH) West Nile Virus Mosquito Control Program will conduct an ultra-low volume (ULV) mosquito control operation Monday, July 22, to reduce high populations of nuisance mosquitoes and mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile virus in Falls and Bensalem Townships. 

The treatment will be administered via truck-mounted equipment, spraying mosquito habitats in residential and park locations. Trucks used in the spray are identified with Bucks County seal logos located on the doors. The equipment dispenses Duet at a rate of 0.75 ounces per acre. This product is designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations. These application materials have a very low toxicity profile to mammals and will have negligible impact to non-target insects and the environment. 

Treatments will occur in Falls Township areas bounded by Trenton Road, Tyburn Road, New Falls Road, Village Lane, Village Turn, Unity Drive, Hanford Road, S. Olds Blvd., and S. Queen Anne Drive. 

Treatments will occur in Bensalem Township areas bounded by Atlantic Ave., Dunksferry Road, Brown Ave., and Hulmeville Road. 

Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which can cause humans to contract West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis. 

Weather conditions and other unexpected events could delay or cancel this spray operation. If conditions do not allow application on July 22, subsequently Tuesday evening, July 23, will serve as the back-up spray date. 

For additional information about adult mosquitoes and West Nile virus, please go to www.dep.pa.gov/westnile. The Bucks County Department of Health can be reached at 215-345-3318.

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: July 15, 2024
Bucks County Issues Excessive Heat Warning through Wednesday

The County of Bucks has issued an Excessive Heat Warning through Wednesday, July 17, with high temperatures expected to for the next several days.

The extended stretch of days with temperatures above 90 degrees has prompted the opening of cooling centers in Upper, Central and Lower Bucks that are available for seniors and people experiencing homelessness seeking refuge from the heat.

The following cooling centers will operate from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day unless otherwise noted:

Bensalem Senior Citizens Association1850 Byberry Road Bensalem, PA 19020 215-638-7720

Ben Wilson Senior Activity Center580 Delmon Avenue Warminster, PA 18974 215-672-8380

 Bristol Borough Senior Center 301 Wood Street Bristol, PA 19007 215-788-9238

 Bristol Township Senior Center 2501 Bath Road  Bristol, PA 19007 215-785-6322

 Morrisville Senior Service Center 31 E. Cleveland Avenue Morrisville, PA 19067 215-295-0567

Quakertown Masonic Lodge501 W. Broad Street Quakertown, PA 18951 267-450-5191

Riegelsville Borough Hall — *OPEN 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 615 Easton Road Riegelsville, PA 18077610-749-2726

Senior centers throughout Bucks County also are open and available daily to residents 55 and over. Check with your local senior center for hours of operation and details. 

The county generally issues an Excessive Heat Warning when the National Weather Service forecasts daytime temperatures will reach 95 degrees by 11 a.m. on two or more consecutive days, or when heat indexes will reach 100 degrees on any given day.

Municipalities or nonprofit agencies interested in participating in this program in the future should contact Bucks County Emergency Services at 215-340-8700.

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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County News & Press Releases
Posted on: July 8, 2024
Bucks County Issues Excessive Heat Warning through Thursday

The County of Bucks has issued an Excessive Heat Warning through Thursday, with high temperatures expected to for the next several days.

The extended stretch of days with temperatures above 90 degrees has prompted the opening of cooling centers in Upper, Central and Lower Bucks that are available for seniors and people experiencing homelessness seeking refuge from the heat.

The following cooling centers will operate from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day unless otherwise noted:

Bensalem Senior Citizens Association1850 Byberry RoadBensalem, PA 19020215-638-7720

Ben Wilson Senior Activity Center580 Delmon AvenueWarminster, PA 18974215-672-8380

Bristol Borough Senior Center301 Wood StreetBristol, PA 19007215-788-9238

Bristol Township Senior Center2501 Bath Rd.Bristol, PA 19007215-785-6322

Morrisville Senior Service Center31 E. Cleveland AvenueMorrisville, PA 19067215-295-0567

Palisades Middle School Library4710 Durham RoadKintnersville, PA 18930*OPEN 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. MONDAY; 12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. TUESDAY*