Category Archives: Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer

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What evidence caused the arrest of a local #Pittsburgh Pastor for Sexual Assault?

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A pastor in the Pittsburgh area has been arrested and charged with corrupting a minor. The pastor, who was one of the leaders of an outreach ministry in Homestead, is accused of sexually assaulting a teenage member of that church’s congregation. The male victim, who is now 21 years old, reported to police that the pastor had sexually abused him on a regular basis over a two-and-a-half year time span.

The pastor was believed to be counseling the young man at the church but was instead allegedly using that time to commit the assaults which reportedly occurred in one of the church’s offices,  a bathroom, and one of the back rooms.

According to the criminal complaint, the assaults began in 2009 and lasted until almost the end of 2011. By that time the victim was a freshman in college and had notified the pastor at that time that he didn’t want any more counseling from him. The pastor allegedly told the boy not to inform his mother or anyone else about what had been going on because “he didn’t want to get into trouble”.

In theory, Sex Assault cases can be difficult to prove due to the lack of a confession or other particularly damaging evidence. Though there are definitely many cases of those in authority abusing their power, many sex assault cases rest solely on the testimony of the victim, standing alone, without any corroborating evidence.

Most troubling, is the reality of how sex assault cases are handled: the allegation alone can lead to an arrest, without any DNA evidence, witnesses or any other supporting information. In most occasions, the investigating officers feel obligated to proceed with the charges with the mindset, “the jury will figure it out”.  When the jury gets the case, some jurors admit that they feel compelled to convict since, “the officer arrested them, therefore something must have happened.” What is lost in the two mindsets is the fact that the Defendant should be presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-315-7441, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.

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Stark Warnings for #JasonAldean #Pittsbugh Concert Attendees

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In June of 2014, more than 50,000 people packed Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, to see Country Star Luke Bryant in Concert.  Many lauded the event as the kick-off to Summer of 2014 and it seems a good time was had by all attendees.

However, Pittsburgh Police stayed busy before, during and after the concert issuing 37 non-traffic citations for scalping, disorderly conduct and public intoxication.  In addition, seven arrests were made for disturbances ranging from physical fights to mere shouting matches.

However, most disturbing to Pittsburgh officials was the aftermath of the concert: Trash in the Parking Lot from thousands of pre-concert tailgaters.  With Country star Jason Aldean poised to take the stage at PNC Park, Home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Officials are planning ahead to prevent a repeat cleanup from the Luke Bryan Concert.

Here are some rules to keep in mind if you plan on attending the concert this weekend: 

1. Parking Lots will open at 2pm not 11am – No waiting/street lining will be allowed. City Ordinances will be enforced in neighboring towns

2. All Vehicles in designated lots will be given trash and recycling bags

3. More than 200 Port-o-Johns will be available

4. No tailgating will be allowed once the first act takes the stage

5. Anyone without a ticket to the show will be asked to vacated the parking lots

6. Outbound Lanes of Liberty Tunnel will be closed through Monday

7. Inbound lanes of Liberty Tunnel will be closed from 8pm to 6am through August 8th.

8. Single Lane overnight Closures for inbound & outbound lanes of Squirrel Hill Tunnel from 10pm to 10am Friday and Saturday Night.

Best Advice for the Concert: Enjoy yourself responsibly, designate a safe driver and be mindful of all lane and road closures before you head into town.

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-315-7441, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.

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Is Notification Required for the Military to Label Someone a Deserter?

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A man from Hampton was arrested and taken into custody this recently after being accused of deserting from the Army. The 49-year-old veteran filed a petition in federal court the day after his arrest to challenge the accusation and his arrest and subsequent incarceration.

According to the petition, which was filed by the man’s attorney, Allegheny County police made the arrest in front of the man’s wife and children. There was a bench warrant out for his arrest which was dated the 6th of May, 2011 and which accused him of deserting the Army earlier that year.

The petition filed by his attorney states that the man was medically discharged from the military back in 2000 and had been employed with a company in Allegheny County working in an executive capacity ever since. It states also that the man was never given any notification about the desertion charges filed against him and that he had been put in jail without due process.

The facts of this case will be particularly interesting to see – if they ever come out. For now it seems that the military must prove that the man was, in fact, unlawfully away from his post. Additionally, if the man was never given any notification that he was being sought, that fact alone may be not only interesting, but also telling as to the potential outcome of the case.

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-315-7441, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.

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Allegheny County Most Wanted Suspect Arrested in #Pittsburgh

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Many residents are not even aware that the Allegheny County Sherriff’s Office has a most wanted fugitives list, and were surprised to learn that one of the suspects on that list was arrested in New Kensington recently.

The 24-year-old female suspect from Natrona Heights was arrested by sheriff’s deputies and taken into custody. She is being held at the Allegheny County Jail. The deputies had received an anonymous tip that the suspect would be in the area and had been searching the region for her.

The suspect was wanted on two separate warrants for parole violations. Her parole stems from prior convictions including theft by unlawful taking, burglary, criminal mischief, receiving stolen property, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was arrested in July of 2013 after being caught burglarizing a home in Natrona Heights. The owners of the property entered the premises and found the suspect stealing their belongings including jewelry and valuable silver items.

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-315-7441, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.

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How a #Pittsburgh Fugitive Was Twice Set Free Despite Arrest Warrants

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Two separate law enforcement agencies allowed a fugitive to go free despite the fact that there was a warrant out for his arrest. The 18-year-old male, who is involved in a domestic violence case in Pittsburgh, remained on the run after being arrested in March and charged with simple assault and theft.

The man’s girlfriend reportedly told police that he physically abused her and in that particular instance had slapped her in the face and punched her in the head. He then allegedly tried to choke her and take away her phone. The man was arrested again and made an appearance for arraignment on the new charges.

The suspect first made an appearance in a courthouse but officials failed to check for warrants and he was therefore permitted to post bond. Then last week he was stopped by Swissvale police and taken into custody but officers were unable to locate anyone to transfer him to the Allegheny County Jail so they were forced to release him. He was finally arrested by the sheriff’s deputies two days later.

The incident has drawn criticism by the Citizen Police Review Board whose representatives say that it has exposed weaknesses in both the legal system as well as in the Pittsburgh police department’s warrant policy.

The above case says nothing about the man’s guilt or innocence, which must be decided by a court of law. But it does highlight certain inefficiencies in the system which Pittsburgh residents trust to keep them safe.  Also, this instance calls into question the bench warrant system and demonstrates how anyone can be lost in the system.

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-315-7441, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.

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When #Pittsburgh #DomesticDisputes Lead to Arrests.

A domestic dispute in Pittsburgh Knoxville area that escalated into a police standoff has resulted in the arrests of two local men. Pittsburgh police and the SWAT team responded to calls about the dispute that began just after 10pm at a home on Daytona Street. According to a report filed by officials at the city’s public safety department, Pittsburgh police surrounded the residence and found a man and woman inside engaged in a heated argument. At that point the SWAT team was called in and authorities reported that once they arrived, an 18-year-old woman was the first to exit the premises.

The woman allegedly told police that she got into an argument with her ex-boyfriend, a 25-year-old man from Coraopolis, when the man pointed a gun and fired a shot at her. Authorities issues several orders for the man to come out of the house and eventually had to fire tear gas into the home. Another man then exited the house. That man had an outstanding warrant and was immediately taken into custody and the 25-year-old was also arrested.

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-315-7441, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.

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How Attending a #Pittsburgh Concert Can Impact Your Future

Several citations were issued and a number of arrests were made after a concert on the night of June 21st at Heinz Field.  A spokesperson for the #Pittsburgh police department said that both during and after the event there were 15 fights reported as well as more than 250 calls to 911 requesting police and medical services, and more than 30 people transported to area hospitals for a variety of injuries. There were also several citations issued for non-traffic related offenses including 20 people cited for scalping tickets to the event, one person cited for public intoxication, 10 people cited for public urination, and six people issued disorderly conduct citations.

In addition to the citations there were a number of arrests made. One arrest was made for disorderly conduct, one on an outstanding warrant, two arrests for assault, and three for defiant trespass. There were other arrests made in the area including several for domestic issues and prostitution but it was not made known whether they were connected to the activities associated with the concert event.

Many people may not know this but certain citations and arrests for seemingly minimal crimes and infractions, such as public intoxication, can have long term effects on your ability to get a job or even qualify for special programs. If you have been arrested or cited for an otherwise minor infraction, it may be to your benefit to fight it instead of simply paying it or pleading guilty. Give my office a call now to discuss.

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-315-7441, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.

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Can Auto Accidents result in #CriminalCharges?

On a Monday morning in late June, at around 3 a.m., a car smashed into several houses on Federal Street on the North Side, which awakened many residents in the area.

According to police, the female driver lost control and hit several porches and a natural gas meter. Residents of the homes were evacuated as a precaution until Equitable Gas repaired the meter and city officials confirmed the houses were safe. They were then allowed to return.

A local resident said that there was a need for people to drive more slowly in the area as one day someone would be killed and other neighbors said that it was lucky no one was killed on this occasion.

Apparently drivers speed in that area all often and it is the third time a home in that part of Federal Street has been hit. A picture of the incident was sent to Mayor Bill Peduto and the Director of Public Safety.

The woman driver was taken into custody but she was not immediately charged.

Thankfully no one was seriously hurt in this incident. Had someone been killed the driver may well have been charged with manslaughter, which can carry serious penalties relating to prison time – not to mention the devastating consequences to the family of the victim.

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-315-7441, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.

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Woman to win $115,000 for #Pittsburgh police fabrication

Legislation has been introduced by Pittsburgh City Council which will pay a woman from North Apollo $115,000 in settlement of a federal lawsuit which accuses the city police of falsely arresting her back in 2010.

The 50 year old woman says that during a hearing for her son in May 2010, she accidently brushed against a witness. Nothing further happened and there was no future contact with the witness.

Her son had been arrested in February 2010 at a bar room scuffle in Station Square by Officer David Honick. However, another officer, Anthony Scarpine said in a criminal affidavit that she had spoken to and elbowed the witness.

In the lawsuit brought by the woman, she maintains that Scarpine made up the details of the incident and in addition alleges that Honick also participated in the false arrest.

There was no comment on the incident from the City Solicitor, Lourdes Sanchez Ridge, nor Howard McQuillan, the President of the Fraternal Order of Police Fort Pitt Lodge 1.

There have been a number of false arrest and police brutality cases in the city over the past several years. While the vast majority of police officers are doubtlessly hardworking and honest individuals, these cases show that the public continues to be victim to the occasional police bad apple.

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-315-7441, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.

 

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Do Recent #Pittsburgh Prostitution Busts Confuse Criminal and Victim?

Pittsburgh police reported that a woman from Toledo, Ohio, came to Pittsburgh with her family and then left them at a hotel so that she could go to work as an escort. Nine women in all were arrested for either prostitution or for offenses related to prostitution as part of a sting that was set up by Pittsburgh police. The sting was a coordinated effort between PPD detectives, the Federal Bureau of Investigations’ Human Trafficking Task Force, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Task Force, the Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, and federal probation officers.

The sting involved responses being sent to a number of escort services through their respective websites requesting that the women meet them at a nearby hotel. Upon arrival the women offered to perform a variety of sexual services for the undercover officers at costs ranging between $200 and $500. The women were all between the ages of 23 and 32, some of whom told police that they had no other way to earn a living.

It is interesting to see how authorities, on one hand, bill certain sex crime arrests as “freeing sex slaves from a life of servitude”, but on the other hand arrest the women – who are allegedly working in the sex field – as if they are the true criminals.

There seems to be a disconnect in our legal system. According to authorities, are sex workers victims or criminals?

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-315-7441, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.