Lancaster County District Attorney's Office

Update: Convicted S*x Offender Sentenced to 32-64 years - UPDATE: George Pfeiffer was sentenced to 32-64 years in a State Correctional Institution today as a result of his April conviction ...

NEWS POST: Update: Convicted S*x Offender Sentenced to 32-64 years UPDATE: George Pfeiffer was sentenced to 32-64 years in a State Correctional Institution today as a result of his April conviction on numerous sexual abuse charges stemming back to 1995. Pfeiffer was also determined to be a sexually violent...

The Lancaster County District Attorney's Office approved charges against Alfredo Maldonado-Gonzalez, 40, of York County. Maldonado-Gonzalez, accused of attempted criminal homicide of a PA State Trooper who was shot during a warrant service.

NEWS POST: Pennsylvania State Police Statement Regarding Incident in Lancaster City Below is the official press release from the Pennsylvania State Police:Pennsylvania State Police SERT Member Shot During Warrant Service in Lancaster, Suffers Non-Life-Threatening InjuryLancaster, PA – On July 24, 2024, at approximately 6:19...

Congratulations to the Lancaster County police officers who participated in the 2024 Can-Am-Police-Fire games. The officers clenched the silver for Lancaster County! The Can-Am Police-Fire Games is a multi-sport Olympic-style event that gives competitors from Fire & Rescue, Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Services, Homeland Security, Border Patrol, Corrections Officers and other first responders along with their spouses and children, over age 18, the opportunity to participate in competitions that include skills used in first responders’ day-to-day work! Manheim Township Police Department, Manor Township Police Department, West Lampeter Township Police,West Earl Township Police Department, Ephrata Police Department, East Hempfield Township Police Department, and Northern Lancaster County Regional PD.

NEWS POST: Lancaster Fighting Amish hockey club brings back the silver from the 2024 Several local police officers, including our very own Officer Jesse Blank, competed in ice hockey at the 2024 Police-Fire Can-Am Games in Butler, PA and brought home the silver medal!! Local members of the Fighting Amish team include (left to

Sean McBryan, the spokesperson for the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office, is resigning to take a job with Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning.

McBryan’s last day is July 22 and he will be taking a communications/media relations role with CHS, a new initiative by the Milton Hershey School serving children from 6 weeks to 5 years old.

“I wholeheartedly enjoyed my time with the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office these past three years and commend the hard work the office does daily to achieve justice and keep our community safe," McBryan said. "I want to specifically thank District Attorney Heather Adams for giving me the opportunity and entrusting me to keep the public informed. This decision was difficult; my new position was something I just could not pass up.”

District Attorney Adams plans to fill the Media Specialist role and the listing has been posted on the Lancaster County employment website. Anyone interested is encouraged to apply.

“This position has been extremely important for the office as we strive to ensure accurate messaging with the media and the public and recognize the importance of transparency in law enforcement matters," Adams said. "With the advent of social media and communities asking for greater transparency, this position has been critical. Sean has done an excellent job of keeping the public informed of cases that we are prosecuting, promoting law enforcement, and working with our other partners in the criminal justice system to highlight various prevention and awareness weeks. He will be missed.”

https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/da/11617/post/district-attorney-spokesperson-sean-mcbryan-taking-job-catherine-hershey-schools

Lancaster County law enforcement and the Pennsylvania SPCA have received and responded to multiple calls of dogs unlawfully being left out in the extreme heat.

One of the dogs died after being found in an alley in Lancaster city and another is recovering from their injuries after being found tethered outside in Manheim Township.

Leaving dogs out in the heat for long amounts of time is a chargeable offense. The law states that dogs must have access to water and shade when outdoors. When the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, dogs may not be tethered outdoors for longer than 30 minutes.

See the below link for more tips on how to keep your pet safe during extreme heat:

NEWS POST: Keeping Pets Safe During Extreme Heat Lancaster County law enforcement and the Pennsylvania SPCA have received and responded to multiple calls of dogs unlawfully being left out in the extreme heat.One of the dogs died after being found in an alley in Lancaster city and another is

Penn Medicine, Lancaster County Joining Forces, and Blueprints For Addiction Recovery have collaborated to provide free in-person Naloxone (Narcan) trainings for Lancaster County individuals and organizations.

The training covers:

-Substance Use Disorder education
-Symptoms of an overdose
-Stigmas around substance abuse
-How to administer Naloxone
-Good Samaritan Immunity
-Current county data

Upcoming training dates are August 15 & September 5 at 4:00 and 5:30. The trainings are held at Millersville University's Student Memorial Center.

Register at www.lancastercountyjoiningforces.org and see the below graphic for more details.

A Lancaster man accused of committing a cold-case sexual assault in 1997, and facing a second set of charges after a search warrant at his residence in August 2023 revealed child po*******hy, now faces a third set of charges after jurisdiction was established on pictures found during the search warrant that revealed him having unlawful contact with a minor.

NEWS POST: More Charges Filed Against Man Accused of 1997 Cold Case S*xual Assault A Lancaster man accused of committing a cold-case sexual assault in 1997, and facing a second set of charges after a search warrant at his residence in August 2023 revealed child po*******hy, now faces a third set of charges after jurisdiction...

INCIDENT: 2407013861- Stabbing On July 11 2024, at 11:31 PM, Officers from the Lancaster City Bureau of Police responded to the 400 block of East Chestnut Street, Lancaster City, for a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, Officers located a victim. The victim was transported...

Update: These scam calls are continuing and increasing. If you receive one of these calls, contact your local police department.

NEWS POST: SCAM ALERT: Caller Claims to be Deputy, Says to Pay Fine for Missed Jury Duty The public is warned of a scam involving a caller claiming to be with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and demanding payments.Local officials are aware of numerous cases and believe others could be targeted.The scam caller has identified

A former Lancaster City Bureau of Police Officer will face two additional sexual assault charges in the Pleas following a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Courtney Monson Tuesday afternoon in the Lancaster County Courthouse.

NEWS POST: Preliminary Hearing: Former Officer to Face Two Additional S*xual Assault A former Lancaster City Bureau of Police Officer will face two additional sexual assault charges in the Pleas following a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Courtney Monson Tuesday afternoon in the Lancaster County

Happy Independence Day from the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office!

Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and fun 4th of July!

Free Uber vouchers are again available across Central PA this 4th of July Holiday starting July 4th at 1:00 a.m. through July 7th at 11:59 p.m.

Grab your three $5 vouchers by scanning the QR code or using promo code: Stella4JulyDTR. Only while supplies last.

Celebrate Independence Day with a safe ride home. If you drink, don't drive and have an amazing holiday!

The public is warned of a scam involving a caller claiming to be with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and demanding payments.

Local officials are aware of numerous cases and believe others could be targeted.

The scam caller has identified themselves as "Detective Larry White" with the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office. The caller was reported to have a southern accent and telling people they've missed jury duty and must pay a fine.

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office will never call demanding payment over phone regarding these matters.

The incident is under investigation.

If you received or receive such a call, contact the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office at 717-299-8200 or your local police department. Do not provide information or your payment.

NEWS POST: SCAM ALERT: Caller Claims to be Deputy, Says to Pay Fine for Missed Jury Duty The public is warned of a scam involving a caller claiming to be with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and demanding payments.Local officials are aware of numerous cases and believe others could be targeted.The scam caller has identified

A Lancaster city man was sentenced to 8 to 16 years in prison last Wednesday by Lancaster County Judge Dennis Reinaker for having a sexual relationship with a minor he was in a caretaking role for.

NEWS POST: Lancaster City Man Sentenced to 8-16 Years in Prison for S*xual Relationship A Lancaster city man was sentenced to 8 to 16 years in prison last Wednesday by Lancaster County Judge Dennis Reinaker for having a sexual relationship with a minor he was in a caretaking role for.Daymarr Jackson, 29 of the 500 block of S.

A Marietta man was sentenced to 8 to 18 years in prison last Wednesday by Lancaster County Judge Jeffrey Conrad for convictions of illegally possessing a firearm, terroristic threats, and simple assault.

NEWS POST: Marietta Man Sentenced to 8-18 Years for Illegally Possessing Firearm, A Marietta man was sentenced to 8 to 18 years in prison last Wednesday by Lancaster County Judge Jeffrey Conrad for convictions of illegally possessing a firearm, terroristic threats, and simple assault.Warren Raffensberger Jr., 68 of the 100...

Considering a career in law enforcement? The application period for the annual Lancaster County Chiefs of Police Association Consortium Testing is open thru 7/20/24.

This a great opportunity to join the ranks of a local department here in Lancaster County. Pay one fee, take one physical test and one written test, and be placed on a list used by more than 20 Lancaster County agencies who may be looking for their next officer.

See the below link for more information and to register:

https://www.policeapp.com/Police-Associations/Lancaster-County-Pennsylvania-Chiefs-of-Police-Association/

A Lancaster city man was sentenced to 2 ¼ to 5 years in state prison Thursday morning for assaulting a Lancaster City Bureau of Police officer, Lancaster City Prison guard, and Lancaster General Hospital security guard.

NEWS POST: Man Sentenced to 2 ¼ to 5 Years in State Prison for Assaulting Prison Guard, A Lancaster city man was sentenced to 2 ¼ to 5 years in state prison Thursday morning for assaulting a Lancaster City Bureau of Police officer, Lancaster City Prison guard, and Lancaster General Hospital security guard.Jamail Robertson, 27,...

A former York man was sentenced to 64 to 140 years in prison Wednesday morning by Lancaster County Judge Jeffrey Conrad.

George Wakeley, 62, formerly of the 3400 block of Bull Road, York, was convicted by jury after a two-day trial in March of 17 charges involving sexual abuse against three minor victims in Warwick Township from 2003 through 2008.

In total, Wakeley was convicted of eight counts of involuntary deviate sexual in*******se, three counts of corruption of minors, and six counts of indecent assault of a person less than 13.

NEWS POST: S*x Offender to Spend up to 140 Years in Prison A former York man was sentenced to 64 to 140 years in prison Wednesday morning by Lancaster County Judge Jeffrey Conrad.George Wakeley, 62, formerly of the 3400 block of Bull Road, York, was convicted by jury after a two-day trial in March of 17

Our newest interns accompanied Chief of Appeals and Legal Services Ande Gonzalez to oral argument before the Pennsylvania Superior Court yesterday.

Thank you to Senator Ryan P. Aument and his office for giving a tour of the Capitol, including the Senate floor!

A Lititz man convicted of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old child was sentenced last week in Lancaster County Court.

Derek Manz, 29 of the 400 block of W. Marion Street, was sentenced on June 17 to 25 to 50 years in prison by Lancaster County Judge Merrill Spahn.

Manz was convicted following a trial in March of aggravated indecent assault of a child, unlawful contact with a minor, indecent assault of a person less than 13, two counts of corruption of minors, and endangering the welfare of children.

Manz faced a mandatory sentence of 25 to 50 years due to him being a second-strike sexual assault offender.

NEWS POST: Lititz Man Sentenced up to 50 Years in Prison for S*xually Assaulting Child A Lititz man convicted of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old child was sentenced last week in Lancaster County Court.Derek Manz, 29 of the 400 block of W.

A Lancaster city man was recently convicted of strangling and threatening a victim in the 700 block of Third Street in July 2023.

Franklin Gillis Jr., 36 of the 300 block of E. King St., was found guilty by jury of strangulation, terroristic threats, and simple assault on June 7 following a two-day trial before Lancaster County Judge Thomas Sponaugle.

NEWS POST: Lancaster City Man Convicted of Strangling Victim, Threats Heard on 911 Call A Lancaster city man was recently convicted of strangling and threatening a victim in the 700 block of Third Street in July 2023.Franklin Gillis Jr., 36 of the 300 block of E.

The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office and the Lancaster City Bureau of Police have concluded the investigation into the emailed bomb threats targeting the Lancaster Public Library and others on March 23, 2024, in relation to a Drag Queen Story Hour that faced backlash in the preceding weeks.

At this time, the agencies can confirm that the threat originated overseas by an unknown actor. The account used to convey the threats was also related to multiple bomb threats that caused cancellation of similar events scheduled for the same day in other states.

“This entire incident, from its nationwide scope, the chosen medium and the origin of the accounts, is not unlike similar bomb threats made in late 2023 in which ‘malicious actors’ targeted Jewish institutions and schools, and even more recent threats that targeted similar events planned since April of this year in other states,” Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams said.

“While an arrest is unable to be made, the public deserves to know that the responsibility for these threats clearly lies outside our community, outside our state, and outside our nation and on those who simply wish to wreak havoc in our daily lives.

"Certainly, threats of this nature to anyone, or any group, are unacceptable and law enforcement will remain on high alert and continue to take any threat of violence seriously.”

NEWS POST: DA's Office and Lancaster City Police – Bomb Threat Originated Overseas, The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office and the Lancaster City Bureau of Police have concluded the investigation into the emailed bomb threats targeting the Lancaster Public Library and others on March 23, 2024, in relation to a Drag...

The Lancaster County Drug Task Force (LCDTF) recently arrested a Brownstown man in possession of methamphetamine, co***ne, and drug paraphernalia.

Phonxay Douangsouri, 56 of the first block of Charles Place, was charged with possession with intent to deliver 28 grams of methamphetamine and 49.5 grams of co***ne. Douangsouri was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

NEWS POST: Brownstown Man Arrested by Drug Task Force with M**h, Co***ne The Lancaster County Drug Task Force (LCDTF) recently arrested a Brownstown man in possession of methamphetamine, co***ne, and drug paraphernalia.Phonxay Douangsouri, 56 of the first block of Charles Place, was charged with possession with...

Five Lancaster County police officers received awards at the Lancaster County Chiefs of Police Association's biennial Police Memorial Awards Service held last month in Willow Street.

East Cocalico Township Police Department Officer Joseph Dougherty won the Outstanding Act of Bravery award.

East Lampeter Township Police Department Detective Chris Jones won the Outstanding Investigator of the Year award.

Bureau of Police Lancaster City, PA Officer Brandon McCormick won the Outstanding Officer of the Year award.

Ephrata Police Department Officer Scott Martin and Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Detective Eric Zimmerman won the Career Achievement award.

Congratulations Officers!

Read more here: https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/da/11617/post/five-officers-honored-biennial-police-memorial-awards-service

Three men have been charged after a recent presentment to Lancaster County’s sixth grand jury in the fatal shooting of a 1-year-old by a 3-year-old in the 500 block of Woodward Street on October 18, 2022.

The Lancaster City Bureau of Police recently filed charges against a juvenile actor, now 18; Nathaniel Jimenez, now 32; and Rafael Jimenez, now 22, for their roles in the incident.

All the defendants lived in the residence where the shooting occurred.

During the grand jury investigation into the victim’s death, Assistant District Attorneys Jennifer Ponessa and Fritz Haverstick called individuals to testify who previously would not provide information to investigators or refused to fully cooperate.

“The members of the grand jury have been very dedicated, and this presentment is just one example of how it assists us in making progress with difficult investigations,” District Attorney Heather Adams said. “The grand jury is an effective tool and because of that and the commitment of law enforcement and my office, we were able to file charges in this tragic firearms-related death of a toddler.”

The grand jury found that the firearm used in the shooting belonged to the charged juvenile and was left loaded on a dining room table accessible by the victim, 3-year-old, and two other minors present in the residence at the time.

NEWS POST: Grand Jury Leads to Charges Against 3 in 2022 Fatal Shooting of 1-Year-Old Three men have been charged after a recent presentment to Lancaster County’s sixth grand jury in the fatal shooting of a 1-year-old by a 3-year-old in the 500 block of Woodward Street on October 18, 2022.The Lancaster City Bureau of Police...

The PA State Police, Troop J, Lancaster Station, and Lancaster County District Attorney's Office are investigating the 1991 homicide of Derek Michael Mason. Investigators from PSP Lancaster recovered human remains from alongside the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Clay Township, Lancaster County, on January 21, 1992. Those remains were identified in December 2023 as belonging to Mason, of Philadelphia.

Mason was last seen leaving his residence in the 500 block of South 39th Street in West Philadelphia in October 1991. Mason was known in the area by the names "Hawkeye" and "Hawk."

Anyone with information regarding the homicide of Derek Mason is asked to contact Trooper Brian McNally, PSP Lancaster, at 717-290-1967. PSP Tips is offering a $2,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest in this case.

NEWS POST: Remains Identified as 1991 Homicide Victim Derek Mason, State Police Offering The Pennsylvania State Police, Troop J, Lancaster Station, and Lancaster County District Attorney's Office are investigating the 1991 homicide of Derek Michael Mason.

Congratulations to our DUI Top Guns! Robert Wolpert with Ephrata Police Department, Nicholas Grecco, Braden Brandt, Matthew Celsky with Elizabethtown Borough Police Department - PA, Shane Johnson with East Cocalico Township Police Department, Kyle Schuetrum with Pennsylvania State Police Academy, Samuel Sanger with East Lampeter Township Police Department and Brad Redinger (not Pictured)

Great turn out! Thank you all and thank you to law enforcement for participating and advocating for a great cause!

Lancaster County Law Enforcement Partners with Special Olympics and Funck's Restaurant for Annual Tip-A-Cop Fundraiser on Wednesday, June 12 from 4-9 PM. Officers from around the County will take on the role of servers for this worthy cause! Read more below!

NEWS POST: Lancaster County Law Enforcement Partners with Special Olympics and Funck's Special Olympics Team Lancaster has announced their annual Tip-A-Cop Fundraiser at Funck's Family Restaurant in Leola. The event is Wednesday, June 12, 2024 from 4:00 - 9:00 PM. Law enforcement officers from around the County will take on the...

The latest scams involve persons emailing a link to renew their license to carry a firearm. The Sheriff's Office will not email you about this! Notification of renewal is via U.S. Mail. Also, be aware that the jury duty/warrant scam has also recently been reported again. BE AWARE!

Scam Calls