PENNSYLVANIA DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION

Berks County District Attorney John Adams this week spoke at the quarterly meeting of the Governor’s Behavioral Health Council. Adams discussed the challenges faced by police officers who increasingly encounter individuals with behavioral health problems. District attorneys across Pennsylvania have embraced diversionary programs, where non-violent offenders can avoid prosecution by entering treatment programs. Adams described successful programs in Berks County that ensure people receive the services they need to improve their lives. In January, the PDAA sent a letter to Governor Shapiro identifying several public safety concerns. The district attorneys said increasing access to behavioral health services was among their priorities for community safety.

District attorneys across Pennsylvania have embraced diversionary programs for non-violent criminals. This new approach is getting results in Lebanon County, where an expansion of diversion courts and programs has helped lower the population at the Lebanon County Correctional Facility. "Defendants who would otherwise face incarceration are now eligible for treatment courts, such as DUI Court, Drug Court, and Veterans’ Court," said District Attorney Pier Hess Graf. "These courts focus on treatment and rehabilitation for low-level, non-violent offenders. This has contributed to lowering the population of incarceration from the criminal justice perspective." https://lnkd.in/ehC8m3wg

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Officer Andrew Duarte, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a gunman at a hospital, will be laid to rest today in York, Pennsylvania. West York Borough Police Chief Matthew Millsaps paid tribute to Duarte's bravery saying, "He lived his life with courage and honor, and he truly died a hero helping to save people's lives." Rest in peace, Officer Duarte, and all who have given their lives in the line of duty. https://lnkd.in/ePAabQwW

"Juries and judges increasingly rely on expert testimony and forensic science to reach a verdict in a complex criminal trial," said Kelly Callihan, executive director of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association. "We congratulate Cedar Crest College on the creation of the Expert Witness Training Center and Crime Scene Lab, which will train a new generation of law enforcement and forensic experts." https://lnkd.in/ew4hJE2F

PDAA congratulates Brian Gallagher who is the new district attorney of Lackawanna County. Gallagher served several years as an assistant district attorney. He is filling out the term of former District Attorney Mark Powell, who recently was appointed county judge. PDAA looks forward to working with District Attorney Gallagher on issues of public safety, including gun violence and juvenile crime. https://lnkd.in/e_RbnnEw

The PDAA Women Prosecutors Network held a silent auction at the PDAA 2025 Mid Winter Meeting and raised more than $2,100 for the Canine Advocacy Program at the Center for Victims in Pittsburgh. The Canine Advocacy Program uses specially trained dogs to provide comfort and support to victims of trauma during their healing journey. These canines work alongside dedicated advocates who undergo extensive training in victim advocacy.? The presence of the dogs creates a sense of safety and reduces anxiety for children who are going through the challenging process of court appearances, forensic exams at the Child Advocacy Center, or therapy sessions at the center’s offices.?

PDAA thanks the presenters who conducted the training and informational sessions at the PDAA 2025 Mid Winter Meeting in Pittsburgh. Chief Deputy Attorney General Danielle Brown and Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General Adrian Shchuka today discussed the legal issues surrounding the Asset Forfeiture Law in Pennsylvania. On Wednesday, Senior Deputy Attorney General Robert Smulktis and Senior Deputy Attorney General Michael Madeira discussed issues facing prosecutors using wiretaps in criminal cases. PDAA officials also gave several presentations on criminal justice issues. PDAA Executive Director Kelly Callihan and Montgomery County Deputy District Attorney Kelly Lloyd briefed prosecutors on legislation in Harrisburg that could impact criminal justice. PDAA Legal Resources Prosecutor Maureen Flannery Spang and Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Nathan Boob discussed case law updates and traffic safety issues facing district attorney offices.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday kicks off the PDAA Mid Winter Meeting with a greeting to the prosecutors. Sunday, who previously served as the York County District Attorney, acknowledged the challenges faced by prosecutors every day and the important role they play in the justice system. Following Sunday, Pennsylvania Inspector General Michelle Henry, who previously served as Attorney General, also welcomed the prosecutors to the meeting. She then introduced Senior Assistant Deputy Attorney General S. Creighton Waters, who discussed the complex legal issues faced by prosecutors in the Alex Murdaugh murder trial.

Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett, a former prosecutor who also served as Pennsylvania Attorney General, discussed career opportunities for law school students to serve in district attorney offices. Corbett, who teaches at the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University, spoke to the district attorneys at the PDAA Mid Winter Meeting. PDAA has made the recruitment of new prosecutors a priority of the association, partnering with law schools across the Commonwealth to inform law school students about the benefits of public service careers.