ATTORNEY ARRESTED FOR PAYING CIVILIANS TO FILE FRAUDULENT PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUITS

Philadelphia – Detectives from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Insurance Fraud Unit investigated attorney Stuart Doctorvitz for paying several co-conspirators to recruit individuals to file fraudulent personal injury lawsuits. Philadelphia DAO Insurance Fraud Unit detectives learned of this conspiracy through the arrest of Jerome Johnson, a defendant in the American Collision grand jury investigation. Detectives recovered Johnson’s 2004 Ford Expedition and cell phone in connection to his arrest. Johnson’s cell phone contained numerous pictures of defective sidewalks located through Philadelphia as well as pictures of addresses or street signs that connected each sidewalk to its individual location. Detectives also found pieces of note paper with addresses or intersections along with the word “spot” in Johnson’s 2004 Ford Expedition. Johnson also had business cards belonging to attorney Stuart Doctorvitz in his vehicle as well.

Text messages retrieved from Johnson’s cell phone established that Jerome Johnson and Stuart Doctorvitz conspired to recruit citizens to file fraudulent personal injury lawsuits. The recovered text messages between Johnson and Doctorvitz discuss good locations to stage slip and fall claims and criticize the caliber of Johnson’s client referrals. Pursuant to this investigation, detectives served a search warrant on the Law Offices of Stuart Doctorvitz and seized all questionable client files. As a result of the investigation, the following defendants were arrested for filing fraudulent injury lawsuits with the aid of Stuart Doctorvitz: Michael Boone, Derrel Moore, Jamal Ransom, Andre Montgomery, Robert Samuel, Rochelle Newell, Lisa DiCastando, Darya Golatt, Kevin Dabney and James Hendricks. Descriptions of each individual’s fictitious claim is included below.

On September 15, 2015, Michael Boone was arrested for Theft by Deception, Criminal Conspiracy, Insurance Fraud and False Swearing in connection to a fraudulent slip and fall claim he filed with the assistance of Stuart Doctorvitz.  Boone claimed that he tripped and fell on a defective sidewalk in front of Little Starz Learning Center on 5429 Larchwood Street in Philadelphia on October 11, 2012. Doctorvitz filed a lawsuit against the business on behalf of Boone and requested fifty thousand dollars for Boone’s injuries. During the course of the investigation, Insurance Fraud Unit detectives approached Boone about his injury claim. He stated that Jerome Johnson asked him if he wanted to make money from filing a fictitious lawsuit. Boone stated that he then met with Doctorvitz who coached him on the nature of his claim.

On September 8, 2015, Moore was arrested for Theft by Deception, Criminal Conspiracy, Insurance Fraud and False Swearing in connection to a fraudulent personal injury claim which he filed with the assistance of Stuart Doctorvitz. Moore alleged that on September 28, 2012, he tripped on a defective sidewalk out front of Fresh Donuts located at 5944 Market Street in Philadelphia. Moore retained Doctorvitz who filed suit against Affirmative Risk Management which insures Fresh Donuts. At one point during litigation, Doctorvitz threatened to sue Affirmative Risk Management for bad faith if they refused to settle this claim. When approached by Insurance Fraud Unit detectives, Moore stated that Jerome Johnson had suggested he file a fraudulent personal injury lawsuit. Johnson brought Moore to Doctorvitz’s office and instructed him to say that he fell in front of the Fresh Donuts. Moore stated that he did not receive any settlement money from this case.

On September 11, 2015, Jamal Ransom was arrested for Theft by Deception, Criminal Conspiracy, Insurance Fraud and False Swearing in connection to a staged personal injury lawsuit he filed with assistance of Stuart Doctorvitz. Ransom alleged that on December 9, 2012, he tripped on a defective sidewalk in front of Ken Crest Centers located at 5900 Elmwood Avenue in Philadelphia. Ransom stated that he was walking on Elmwood Avenue towards 60^th Street when he tripped on a sidewalk that had been raised by a tree root. When approached by Insurance Fraud Unit detectives, Ransom stated that Johnson had suggested he file a fraudulent personal injury lawsuit in order that he could make some extra money. Ransom said that Johnson took him to Doctorvitz’s law office, and after Johnson and Doctorvitz privately conferred with one another, Doctorvitz proceeded to question Ransom. Doctorvitz’s file indicates that he settled this claim with Philadelphia Insurance Company for fourteen thousand four hundred dollars. Ransom stated that he received one thousand dollars for his participation.

On September 15, 2015, Andre Montgomery was arrested for Theft by Deception, Criminal Conspiracy, Insurance Fraud and False Swearing in connection to a fraudulent personal injury case that he filed with the assistance of Stuart Doctorvitz. Montgomery alleged that on February 27, 2012 he slipped and fell as he was walking on the 300 block of S. 13^th Street. When he was approached by Insurance Fraud Unit detectives, Montgomery stated that he is personally acquainted with Jerome Johnson and that Johnson had asked him to file a fraudulent personal injury lawsuit. Montgomery said that Johnson told him to go to the emergency room and report he was injured. After Montgomery went to the hospital, Johnson took him to meet with Doctorvitz who then filed suit against North American Capacity Insurance Company.

On September 10, 2015, Samuel was arrested for Theft by Deception, Criminal Conspiracy, Insurance Fraud, False Swearing and False Reports in connection to a fraudulent injury claim that he filed with the assistance of Stuart Doctorvitz. Samuel alleged that on August 29, 2013, he had an accident at the intersection of 65^th Street and Cobbs Creek Parkway. Samuel stated that he was traveling on Cobbs Creek Parkway and attempting to make a left-hand turn when the car behind him also attempted to turn and consequently struck Samuel’s passenger side front wheel-well. Samuel claimed that the other driver failed to stop. When Insurance Fraud Unit detectives approached Samuel he stated that he was not actually involved in an accident on August 29, 2013, but rather Johnson had arranged for someone to damage his 2006 Dodge in order that Samuel could file an injury claim with Stuart Doctorvitz. Following Johnson’s instructions, Samuel filed a claim with both the Philadelphia Police and Allstate Insurance Company even though no real accident occurred.

On September 9, 2015, Rochelle Newell was arrested for two counts of Theft by Deception, two counts of Criminal Conspiracy, two counts of Insurance Fraud and two counts of False Swearing in connection to two fraudulent personal injury claims which she filed with the assistance of Stuart Doctorvitz. In the first claim, Newell alleged that she fell in front of 504 N. 63^rd Street on June 29, 2009 after she tripped over a defective sidewalk. In the second claim, Newell alleged that she fell in front of 1804 Bainbridge Street after she tripped over a raised sidewalk. When approached by Insurance Fraud Unit detectives, Newell stated that Johnson had set up both of these fraudulent claims and that she had never been to either location. Stuart Doctorvitz settled the first claim with Harleysville Insurance Company for thirty one thousand and five hundred dollars and he settled the second claim with American Family Home Insurance Company for fifteen thousand dollars. Newell stated that she received one thousand dollars for her participation in the 2009 claim but that she did not receive any money for her participating in the 2012 claim.

Lisa DiCastando, Darya Golatt and Kevin Dabney were all arrested in mid-September 2015 for charges including Theft by Deception, Criminal Conspiracy, Insurance Fraud and False Reports. DiCastando, Golatt and Dabney all falsely claimed to have been involved in an auto accident with a deer. DiCastando claimed that she was driving her vehicle on Fort Mifflin Road on April 15, 2011 when a deer ran in front of her car and caused her to lose control and strike a guardrail. Golatt and Dabney claimed that they were passengers in DiCastando’s car during this accident. All three then retained Stuart Doctorvitz as their personal injury attorney and filed claims with Nationwide Insurance Company. When approached by Insurance Fraud Unit detectives, DiCastando stated that she told her cousin, Jerome Johnson, of her car troubles and he said he could have her vehicle fixed if she made an accident claim and filed a police report. DiCastando said she was told to report that she had struck a deer and that she had two passengers with her at the time of the accident. However, DiCastando did not meet these passengers (Golatt and Dabney) until Johnson brought her to Doctorvitz’s office. Golatt and Dabney were also recruited by Johnson to be part of this fraudulent accident claim. Nationwide paid sixty-six thousand four hundred and ninety-seven dollars in settling the claims filed by DiCastando, Golatt and Dabney.

On September 3, 2015, James Hendricks was arrested for Theft by Deception, Criminal Conspiracy, Insurance Fraud and False Swearing in connection to a fraudulent personal injury claim which he filed with the assistance of Stuart Doctorvitz. James Hendricks alleged that on December 5, 2012, he fell when he tripped over raised concrete on the 900 block of Pine Street in Philadelphia. When approached by Insurance Fraud Unit detectives, Hendricks stated that he was approached by Ernie Shaw, a different recruiter paid by Doctorvitz, who asked him if he wanted to file a fraudulent injury claim for money. Shaw took him to see Stuart Doctorvitz who filed a claim with York Insurance Company, which insured 910 Pine Street. York Insurance Company later settled this claim for thirty thousand dollars and Hendricks stated he received approximately five thousand for his participation.

Stuart Doctorvitz was arrested on January 20, 2016 for knowingly filing fraudulent personal injury lawsuits for accidents which never occurred. He was charged with Theft by Deception, Attempted Theft by Deception, Criminal Conspiracy, Insurance Fraud, Unsworn Falsifying, False Swearing and False Reports. He is next scheduled to appear in Philadelphia Municipal Court on February 9, 2016 for a status hearing.

 

 

WOMAN REGISTERS 2007 MERCURY WITH A FRAUDULENT AMERICAN INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IDENTIFICATION CARD

Philadelphia – Detectives from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Insurance Fraud Unit investigated Felicia Glenn after receiving a referral from Omni Insurance Company, the parent company of American Independent. The referral alleged that Glenn had registered her 2007 Mercury with a fraudulent American Independent financial responsibility identification card.

Insurance Fraud Unit detectives retrieved Glenn’s PennDOT title history which showed that Glenn had registered her 2007 Mercury with an American Independent financial responsibility identification card in 2014.  Detectives then contacted the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and confirmed that Glenn is the registered owner of the 2007 Mercury. Detectives also spoke with a representative from American Independent who stated that neither they nor their related companies insure Glenn or her 2007 Mercury. Glenn was arrested on January 22, 2016 for Forgery and Insurance Fraud. She is next scheduled in Philadelphia Municipal Court for a status hearing on February 12, 2016.

Letter to the Editor Responding to DA Settles Lawsuit (01/26/16)

I want to set the record straight about the Daily News’ 01/26/16 story entitled DA Settles Lawsuit. In the story, the reporter failed to mention two things. First, that he was the reporter who received the leaked information in 2011 from the individual profiled and failed to disclose that in his article. Second, that the individual who was not fired was treated differently because he was honest, remorseful and admitted that he conspired with the profiled employee to improperly share expungement information that could harm another assistant district attorney. I am proud of my record, my decisions and the way I have run the District Attorney’s Office.

When I chose to prosecute Dr. Kermit Gosnell, people thought I did it for political reasons. I did not, I did it because he was committing horrific crimes.

When I chose to charge Monsignor William Lynn with shielding pedophile priests, people thought I did it because I was anti-Catholic; that is outrageous. I did it because priests who rape and victimize young boys should not be hidden.

When I chose to prosecute six African-American Philadelphia elected officials – men and women – who were taking bribes for political favors, people thought I did it because I was against African-American elected officials. I chose to proceed with the case because what they did was illegal.

When I chose to stand up for and support a young African-American Assistant District Attorney, some thought I was wrong, but now that young lawyer has made a great success of himself in our legal community.

When I prosecuted a police lieutenant for punching a Hispanic woman at a parade, I was not anti-police or pro-Hispanic, I was just doing my job.

When I reorganize my office and put women at the top of my organizational chart, I’m not anti-male.

When I did to not fire career prosecutors who participated in the exchange of offensive emails at a previous job, people said I’m anti-black, anti-women, anti-gay and pro-white; which couldn’t be farther from the truth.

When I choose to discipline employees – men and women, black and white – to differing degrees; I’m not pro- or anti-anything, I’m attempting to be fair and not discriminatory.

And when the Philadelphia Daily News says that I’m pro-black, anti-woman and someone who regularly uses discriminatory practices to run my office, I can’t help but be disappointed.

I want to make this clear; I treat everyone in my office equally and make decisions based on the merits and facts at my disposal. My number one job is to keep all Philadelphians, regardless of gender, race, age or political affiliation, safe from crime, fraud and corruption and I take that role seriously.

 

Seth Williams, Philadelphia District Attorney

http://mobile.philly.com/beta?wss=/philly/opinion&id=366728761

CORRECTIONS OFFICER CHARGED WITH FILING FALSE REPORTS SURRENDERS TO AUTHORITIES

PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 26, 2016) – Philadelphia District Attorney R. Seth Williams announced that Corrections Officer Yolanda Grier turned herself in today after being charged with Tampering with Public Records [F3], False Reports to Law Enforcement Authorities [M2], Unsworn Falsification to Authorities [M2], Obstructing Administration of Law or Other Governmental Function [M2], Official Oppression [M2] and Harassment [S].

“What Yolanda Grier did, making up an incident and then allowing an innocent inmate to be falsely charged, is outrageous and a complete failure of her duties and the oath she took to serve the Philadelphia Prison System and the citizens of our City,” said District Attorney Seth Williams. “I’d like to thank our partners in the Philadelphia Prison System for helping us with this investigation and today’s arrest.”

Grier alleged that she was threatened by a female inmate at the Riverside Correctional Facility on October 7, 2014. In her statement to the police, Grier alleged that the inmate responded to her request to turn over the pass she was using to see a visitor with cursing, screaming and threats to shoot Grier. Based on Grier’s statement, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for the inmate and arrested and charged her with one count of Terroristic Threats.

In actuality; after the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office (DAO), Special Investigations Unit reviewed surveillance video from the incident; Grier’s description of the incident turned out to be false. The video shows that the inmate quickly produced her pass and Grier, after taking it from the inmate, taunted the inmate by pretending to give and take back the pass multiple times. Eventually, Greir escalated her harassment of the inmate by pulling out her mace despite the lack of any threatening behavior by the inmate. In addition to filing charges against Corrections Officer Grier, the criminal case against the inmate has been withdrawn.

Yolanda Grier (date of birth: March 28, 1964) was hired by the Philadelphia Department of Corrections in 1993 and has worked at the Riverside Correctional Facility since 2009. Grier is no longer employed as a Philadelphia Corrections Officer due to her arrest.

MAN FILES FRAUDULENT PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM AGAINST SEPTA AND PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE COMPANY

Charges:              Insurance Fraud 18 Pa C.S. § 4117 – F3 (2 counts)

Attempted Theft by Deception 18 Pa C.S. § 3922 – F3

Theft by Deception 18 Pa C.S. § 3922 – M1

Philadelphia – Detectives from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Insurance Fraud Unit investigated Jean Oplan after receiving a referral from SEPTA. On July 19, 2014, Oplan was a passenger on the SEPTA Route 47 bus when the bus brushed against a Progressive insured Dodge Durango. As a result of the contact, the SEPTA bus broke the side view mirror of the Dodge Durango and the bus itself was scratched. Despite the lack of substantial damages, Oplan filled out a SEPTA claim form in which he stated that he injured his back, neck and arm as a result of this accident. Oplan retained a personal injury attorney to represent him in the lawsuit against SEPTA and Progressive Insurance Company.

Although Oplan did not seek emergency medical treatment immediately after the accident, he did later seek chiropractic treatment from Olney Orthopedic and Therapy. Medical records indicate that Oplan sought treatment at this facility on fifty-three separate occasions between July and December of 2014. The total cost of Oplan’s medical bills exceeded fifteen thousand dollars and were submitted to both SEPTA and Progressive. In response to Oplan’s claim, Progressive paid in excess of sixteen hundred and forty-two dollars towards Oplan’s medical bills.

The SEPTA Route 47 bus is equipped with a digital surveillance system which shows that the bus made slight contact with the parked Dodge Durango while traveling on N. 5^th Street. The video shows the SEPTA bus damaging the side mirror of the Dodge Durango and then coming to a stop. The surveillance footage also shows that Oplan remains seated throughout this incident and none of the passengers on the bus appear to be disturbed or injured. Oplan was arrested for filing an allegedly fraudulent personal injury claim against SEPTA. Oplan was charged with two counts of Insurance Fraud, one count of Attempted Theft by Deception (F-3) and one count of Theft by Deception (M-1). He is next scheduled to appear in Philadelphia Municipal Court on January 26, 2016 for a hearing.

PHILADELPHIA DISTRICT ATTORNEY LAUNCHES NEW WAY TO DISPOSE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Drug return boxes are safe, secure and will help prevent prescription drug and heroin abuse

PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 20, 2016) – Philadelphia District Attorney R. Seth Williams today launched a pilot program in six Philadelphia Police Districts so anyone can safely and anonymously dispose of unwanted prescription drugs. In addition to a public safety issue, unwanted and unused prescription medications are a public health risk because prescription drug abuse often leads to opiate and heroin abuse.

“Overdoses don’t discriminate based on race, gender or economic status. Prescription drug, opioid and heroin abuse have created victims in all walks of life in our City and throughout our Nation. In fact, the crisis was one of the very first points President Obama mentioned in his recent State of the Union Address,” said District Attorney Seth Williams. “I thank all of the partners who are here today and I know all of us are looking forward to bringing drop boxes to every Police District in the City so we can reduce the availability of unwanted prescription drugs and slow the spread of heroin abuse in Philadelphia.”

Philadelphia has the highest rate of drug overdoses in Pennsylvania, nearly 42 people per 100,000. There were more than 650 overdose deaths in Philadelphia in 2014 and approximately 370 of those who overdosed had prescription opioids in their system. Heroin was found in the system of more than half of those who overdosed.

“The Philadelphia Police Department is happy to take part in this pilot program, which will provide a safe alternative for disposing of unwanted or expired prescription medications as opposed to them being left in a place where they can fall into the wrong hands,” added Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross.

“We need to get the word out about the potency of today’s prescription drugs. Too many families have learned the hard way the dangers of not properly securing or disposing of powerful medications,” Council President Clarke said. “I encourage all Philadelphians to audit your medicine cabinets and take advantage of this disposal program – especially if you have kids in the house, or have been touched by drug addiction. And I thank District Attorney Williams and Police Commissioner Ross for their leadership on this critical public health and safety issue.”

The pilot program is beginning with boxes in the 1^st, 15^th, 19^th, 22^nd, 25^th and 35^th; and once concluded and evaluated, it will be expanded into every Police District throughout the City.

“We know, The United States of America, accounts for 5 percent of the world’s population, yet we consume 75 percent of prescription drugs in the world. Another fact I find very troubling is that one in five teens have abused prescription medications. In 2010, I introduced a resolution to explore the creation of a drug take back program in Philadelphia. My staff and I commend District Attorney Seth Williams and his team, the Philadelphia Police Department, Bernie Strain and all partners who worked tirelessly to craft a process for citizens to safely dispose of prescription drugs in the City of Philadelphia,” said Councilwoman At-Large Blondell Reynolds Brown.

The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) will house the boxes and Philadelphia District Attorney (DAO) County Detectives will collect the medications and transport them to Covanta, which is located in Conshohocken, where they will be burned at no cost. The boxes were made available to the DAO through a grant from the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

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CAMPBELL AND BENSCHOP SENTENCED IN SALVATION ARMY BUILDING COLLAPSE CASE

 

PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 8, 2016) – The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office (DAO) today announced that Griffin Campbell was sentenced to 15 – 30 years in prison and Sean Benshop was sentenced to

7 1/2 -15 years in prison for the death of six people, and injury to others, in the June 5, 2013, Market St. Salvation Army Building collapse. Campbell’s and Benshop’s sentence reflects the nature of their crimes and the suffering of the victims. We now know justice has been served.

“I cannot even begin to imagine the pain and grief Mr. Campbell and Mr. Benshop caused the friends and families of those who lost their lives, and those who were injured, when the Market Street Salvation Army Building was crushed by a four-story, unsupported masonry wall in June of 2013,” said Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams. “The Assistant District Attorneys who prosecuted this case and me hope that today’s sentences make clear the need for safe demolitions in our city and, most importantly, it helps to bring closure to the victims’ loved ones who are still dealing with this tragedy.”

In October of 2015, Griffin Campbell was found guilty by a jury of his peers of six counts of Involuntary Manslaughter, 13 counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person, one count of Causing a Catastrophe and one count of Aggravated Assault. Campbell was responsible for the demolition of the property that was located at 2140 Market St. In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations at the site, Campbell put in place a demolition plan that left a four-story masonry wall unsupported above the Salvation Army Building.

In July of 2015, Sean Benschop plead guilty to six counts of Involuntary Manslaughter and the additional charges of Aggravated Assault, Conspiracy, Causing a Catastrophe and thirteen Counts of Reckless Endangerment. Benschop was the operator of an excavator that was used to demolish the building next to the Salvation Army building when it collapsed killing Juanita Harmon, Roseline Conteh, Mary Simpson, Kimberly Finnegan, Anne Bryan and Borbor Davis. Mariya Plekan suffered serious and permanent injury.

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Selber who is the Chief of the DAO’s Homicide Unit and Edward Cameron who is the Assistant Chief of the DAO’s Homicide Unit prosecuted the collapse cases.

MAN REGISTERS VEHICLE WITH FRAUDULENT FARMERS AND AMERICAN INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IDENTIFICATION CARDS

Philadelphia – Detectives from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Insurance Fraud Unit investigated Shalik Fogle for registering his 2005 Pontiac with a fraudulent Farmers Insurance financial responsibility identification card and a fraudulent American Independent Insurance financial responsibility identification card. On April 30, 2015, Fogle attempted to retrieve his 2005 Pontiac from the Philadelphia Police Auto Impound lot and presented a Farmers Insurance financial responsibility identification card to the officers present. Insurance Fraud Unit detectives contacted Farmers Insurance Company and learned that the policy number listed on Fogle’s financial responsibility identification card corresponds to a legitimate policy which was written in Illinois and cancelled in July 2014. However, the policy number does not insure Shalik Fogle or his 2005 Pontiac. Insurance Fraud Unit detectives also obtained Fogle’s Penndot title history which indicated that the 2005 Pontiac had also been registered with an American Independent financial responsibility identification card. Detectives contacted a representative from Omni Insurance, the American Independent parent insurance company, and learned that the policy number listed on that financial responsibility identification card was also bogus. Fogle was arrested for two counts of Forgery and two counts of Insurance Fraud on December 29, 2015. He is next listed for a status hearing on January 22, 2016.

PHILADELPHIA DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND POLICE COMMISSIONER RAMSEY REMIND YOU TO CELEBRATE SAFELY THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE

PHILADELPHIA (Dec. 31, 2015) – The Philadelphia District Attorney and Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey today reminded all Philadelphians to celebrate safely this New Year’s Eve, especially when it comes to irresponsible gun use.

“If you and your friends want to celebrate 2016, do so, but do it safely and don’t fire your gun in the air,” said District Attorney Williams, “Remember, this is the City of Philadelphia with more than 1.5 million people living in it and firing your gun in the air has real consequences. People can get hurt, maybe lose their life and if you are caught you will be charged and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Joe Jaskolka, whose life almost ended because of celebratory gun fire, joined the District Attorney and the Commissioner for the announcement. On Dec. 31, 1998, Joe Jaskolka was struck in the head by a bullet that was fired in “celebration” while he was walking in South Philadelphia. Joe, who was only 11-years-old at the time, still has the bullet lodged in his head and the person who fired the gun has never been caught. As a result of his injury, Joe is paralyzed on the right side of his body and can’t use the left-side of his vocal chords. He is now 28-years-old and has undergone 33 surgeries to his brain and 21 surgeries to his eyes. The Jaskolka family estimates that insurers have paid more than $15 million dollars to cover the cost of his surgeries.

“Celebrating the New Year in a safe and joyful manner is smart, celebrating with a gun is not, leave the guns in the house. Firing a gun in the air isn’t a celebration for anyone, especially for those killed or injured as a result of this type of reckless action and there is zero tolerance for it,” said Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey. “We want everyone to be safe and to be able to enjoy the New Year without harm or any tragic incidents.”

Anyone caught shooting a firearm into the air could be charged with Recklessly Endangering Another Person and receive several years in prison. If the bullet hits another person, the shooter could be charged with Aggravated Assault, Attempted Murder or even Murder.

The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) received 78 reports of gunshots fired between 10 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2014 and 3 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2015. On an average, the PPD receives about ten reports of gunshots fired each night.

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PHILADELPHIA DISTRICT ATTORNEY TO REARGUE COMMONWEALTH VS. WILLIAM LYNN

PHILADELPHIA (Dec. 28, 2015) – The Philadelphia District Attorney today released the following statement after filing an application for En Banc Reargument in the case of Commonwealth vs. William Lynn with the Superior Court of Pennsylvania Eastern District:

One in four women and one in six men are sexually abused before the age of eighteen and ninety percent of those who are sexually assaulted know their attacker.

The victim in this case knew his attacker and Monsignor William Lynn covered up Father Avery’s record. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is committed to ensuring the safety of all the citizens of Philadelphia and, today specifically, the victim of Monsignor Lynn. My office will continue to use all its resources to ensure that Defendant Lynn remains in state custody as ordered by Common Pleas Court Judge M. Theresa Sarmina. It is our position that the trial court properly admitted into evidence “other bad acts” evidence which showed a pattern and practice of concealment and protection of child-sexual-predator priests by the Defendant. This same evidence also established the Defendant’s expert knowledge of the characteristics of pedophiles and thus was essential to meeting the Commonwealth’s burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A Philadelphia jury of twelve men and women heard all the evidence and after thoughtful deliberation found Defendant Lynn guilty of Endangering the Welfare of Children. The evidence presented at trial, showed the Philadelphia jury and the world that the Defendant’s handling of Father Avery was completely typical of his handling of other similar predator priests and established that the Defendant knew just how dangerous such priests were.

Today, my office filed a Petition for En Banc Reargument so the entire panel of the Pennsylvania Superior Court can decide all of the outstanding issues on appeal which remain unconsidered and to reconsider the 2-1 panel majority granting a new trial.

Meanwhile, we will fight to keep Monsignor Lynn in state custody where he belongs.

The announcement is in response to the Superior Court’s Dec. 22, 2015, decision to reverse the conviction of judgment of sentence for Endangering the Welfare of Children.

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