Sean Connolly, Author at Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association - PDAA

Aug
22, 2023

Testimony: Child Advocacy Centers help DAs prosecute child abuse cases

Cumberland County District Attorney Seán McCormack recently testified before the Senate Aging and Youth Committee, telling state lawmakers that the Child Advocacy Centers (CAC's) in Pennsylvania play a crucial role in helping prosecutors hold child abusers accountable for their crimes. "I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a child being interviewed by a specially trained child interview specialist," he said at

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Jul
27, 2023

PDAA commends Executive Director Greg Rowe for years of service

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) is commending Executive Director Greg Rowe for his many years of service to the association and the criminal justice system. Rowe recently announced that he is resigning as Executive Director to start a new position as Executive Director of Keystone Restituere Justice Center (KRJC), a non-profit organization headed by former Pennsylvania Secretary of

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Jul
24, 2023

Adams County District Attorney Brian Sinnett Elected PDAA President

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) today announced its elected officers for the 2023-24 business year. The election took place during the PDAA's annual business meeting. President: Adams County District Attorney Brian Sinnett Vice President: Clinton County District Attorney David Strouse Secretary/Treasurer: Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo "I am honored to lead an association of dedicated public servants, who seek justice

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Jun
5, 2023

PDAA applauds Department of Health for scheduling xylazine as a controlled substance

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) is commending the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) for taking formal action to limit access to xylazine by scheduling the dangerous drug as a controlled substance. On Friday, Governor Josh Shapiro and Acting Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen announced taking action to temporarily schedule xylazine as a controlled substance. Xylazine is a powerful

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May
31, 2023

Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin Honored for Innovation in Law Enforcement

PDAA congratulates Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin, who was recently awarded the “Law Enforcement Innovation and Leadership Excellence” award by the Citizens Crime Commission of the Delaware Valley. This was the first presentation of the award at the 42nd annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Day luncheon at the Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia. Martin has served more than 25 years as district attorney.

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Jan
19, 2023

Westmoreland County DA Nicole Ziccarelli appointed to PDAI Board

HARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Institute (PDAI) today announced that it has appointed Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli to the PDAI Board of Directors. PDAI is the educational and training arm of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association. The institute was founded in 1983 for the purpose of developing and providing educational materials and training seminars for district

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Dec
9, 2022

Gov-elect Shapiro appoints PDAA’s Greg Rowe to Transition Advisory Committee

PDAA Executive Director Greg Rowe recently was named to Governor-Elect Josh Shapiro's "Law Enforcement Transition Advisory Committee." The Transition Advisory Committees will advise the incoming administration as it prepares to advance Shapiro's priorities. A press release from Governor-Elect Shapiro's team said, "From public safety to economic development, the Transition Advisory Committees will play a key role in ensuring the administration is

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Nov
3, 2022

Governor Wolf Signs Fentanyl Test Strip Bill into Law

District Attorneys support the lawful use of test strips to lower opioid overdoses HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) today commended Governor Wolf and state legislators for a new state law that ensures the lawful use of fentanyl test strips to detect the presence of the deadly drug. In January, Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo, who is PDAA’s legislative

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Oct
27, 2022

PDAA Applauds Passage of Bill to Help Crime Victims Seek Justice

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) today commended state lawmakers for their bipartisan support of legislation that would help crime victims seek compensation in the civil justice system. The bill (House Bill 2525) would grant crime victims the ability to seek relevant criminal investigative information when they bring an action against a defendant in civil court in the Commonwealth.

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Sep
22, 2022

New Cumberland County DA Forensic Lab will help solve crimes with advanced technology

CARLISLE – Cumberland County District Attorney Sean McCormack this week unveiled the county’s newly improved forensic laboratory, which will allow law enforcement to use advanced technology to investigate crimes. “So many cases have been solved using cutting-edge technology,” McCormack said. “Combine that with the talented forensic analysts and it allows me to prioritize cases and take them to court, allowing the

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