Lancaster County District Attorney's Office

Today is the virtual statewide rally for Crime Victims' Rights Week April 18 - April 24. Millions of people every day are the victims of crime across the United States. The Crime Victims Alliance of Pennsylvania's facebook page will have survivors stories each day this week. Check out the video below to find inspiration and hope in their stories.

April is also Distracted Driving Awareness month. Nothing is more important than getting to your destination safely. #JustDrive

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (#SAAM). Proceeds from this event sponsored by the YWCA will go to support victim survivors of harassment, abuse, and assault receiving services at the Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center at YWCA Lancaster.

Good things are happening in Lancaster County! Proud to support the Gateways initiative. Read about it below: https://lancasteronline.com//article_43c5518a-8c15-11eb-b9

District Attorney Heather Adams announces the yearly release of drug forfeiture records in recognition of Sunshine Week. The records were compiled with the assistance of the Lancaster County Controller's Office. #SunshineWeek https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com//district-attorney-adam

Homicide charges were bound over to the the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas against Justo Smoker for the death of 18-year-old Linda Stoltzfoos. https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com//justo-smoker-ordered-s

The Lancaster County District Attorney's Office has concluded that no charges will be filed in a December 2020 stabbing in the city of Lancaster. After a thorough review of the investigation, our office has concluded that the actor was justified in his actions against the intruder who broke into the actor's home. Accordingly, no charges are warranted under the law. https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com//no-charges-be-filed-de

Additional Child Pornography charges recently filed on East Earl man currently in Lancaster County Prison on similar charges. https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com//schmidt-kenneth-lee-se

Today let us all remember and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Do you have a teen driver? From our friends at the Pennsylvania DUI Association...

Today, January 11th is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day with a goal to raise awareness of the issue of human trafficking. Though the entire month of January has already been recognized as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, this day is specifically dedicated to awareness and prevention. Please watch and share this "Know the Signs" video provided to us by our partners at ZOE International. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQFQqU3O9GM

There was a police incident Tuesday night in Manheim Township which ended in the death of an adult male. A hostage situation preceded the death. Based on information obtained so far in the investigation, it appears the male died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Pennsylvania State Police, Manheim Township police and Lancaster County SERT were among agencies on scene. Additional information is expected to be released later today.

VERDICT: Lancaster man guilty of using Facebook to message 14YO girl for sexual contact. Jyptian Grooms, 22, will be sentenced on two felonies after a background investigation. https://bit.ly/3ozJfvf

CHARGED: Lancaster man kidnapped 13YO girl from Indiana and brought her to Lancaster County for sexual assaults. Andrew E. Howland, 38, faces numerous felonies. Great collaboration from West Hempfield Township Police Department, Lancaster County Children's Alliance, Lancaster County Children and Youth Agency, Indiana law enforcement and federal officials. https://bit.ly/2Jt3Lit

Drug Task Force finds marijuana grow operation, large cache of THC products, psychedelic mushrooms and $20K cash at Columbia area home. Paul Katherman Jr., 47, is charged with six felony drug-dealing offenses. Read about the raid: https://bit.ly/34IqoY1

SCAM ALERT: Caller claims to be with Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, demands payment for court dues. At least one person fell victim to the scam and paid $700 in Bitcoin. If you receive such a call, DO NOT provide information or payment. Contact the Sheriff's Office (717-299-8200) or your local police department. https://bit.ly/3lp0DRz

Niziere Dean DENIED request to withdraw his guilty plea to 3rd-degree murder for killing Eddie Cameron in 2015. Cameron was shot 13 times after an altercation at Rainmaker's Club. https://bit.ly/2Hu9OlQ

***UPDATE*** Smith is in custody. Thank you for all the views and shares. WANTED:... Kyle E. Smith, 19, is charged with attempted homicide for stabbing a man during an attack on Black Friday. Tips can be submitted to East Hempfield Township Police Department or via SUBMIT A TIP button on the CRIMEWATCH PA page below. https://bit.ly/3fX3OyH See more

PA State Police Vice Unit Investigator: Suspected cocaine dealer had loaded pistol under driver's seat. Qian L. Myers, 45, faces felony drug and firearms charges in Lancaster County Court. https://bit.ly/31vZVuD

Testimony: Neighbor confronted a man on his porch, then shot him to death. Geraldo Rosario, 57, was ordered to face a homicide charge in Lancaster County Court, following a preliminary hearing this week. https://bit.ly/3oh8ovq

Lititz woman charged with stabbing a man as he held an infant now also charged with attempted homicide. Maeloni Morales, 25, threatened to kill the man, then stabbed him on Oct. 13. Lititz Borough Police Department investigated and filed charges. https://bit.ly/3m1jdzQ

Conviction stands against 'callous' DUI driver who caused a fatal crash in East Lampeter Township in 2014. Patricia Halgash, 47, had several 'highly alcoholic' beers while drinking for hours at two bars before getting behind the wheel. https://bit.ly/2FLbGWe

*****UPDATE: These individuals have been identified.***** Thank you all for the tips and information.

Watch Lizzie's story of survival tonight via Zoom. Lizzie grew up Amish and was sexually assaulted as a child within her community. Hear how she pursued justice and a conviction for her abuser. Safe Communities

Our first responders are pillars of safety and security in our communities - and they will eat free tonight (Oct. 20) in Manheim. District Attorney Adams will be speaking at this special event, presented by Blueprints For Addiction Recovery and Second Chance PA. Meals courtesy of Dough Heads Waffles.

'We want people to be confident in the election process and be confident in the results of the election.' Work is ongoing at the local and federal levels to ensure voter safety and a secure process. U.S. Attorney William McSwain Commissioner Josh Parsons Commissioner Ray D'Agostino Lancaster County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit Read about the plans HERE: https://bit.ly/2FFSWYa

TESTIMONY: DUI driver had heroin bundles, prescription meds, a stolen pistol, and a switch blade-style knife. Jonathan Vargas, 30, will face 4 felonies and other charges in Lancaster County Court. https://bit.ly/34aXpvz

TESTIMONY: Shell casings, stains, bag of blood among items found at Ezequiel Almodovar's home the day two men were found dead and burned. Almodovar is charged with shooting the men to death, then burning them in a pickup truck on a farm lane. East Lampeter Township Police Department Manor Township Police Department https://bit.ly/37ffPgK

It has been 17 years since the death of prosecutor Jonathan Luna - but PA State Police continue to investigate the case. A fingerprint ID uncovered a lead in 2015, and police review the case annually for DNA, print, or crime pattern matches. https://bit.ly/3dvDHgW

Anyone know these two males? They are wanted regarding damage to a police vehicle following a police-involved shooting on Laurel Street on Sept. 13. Tips to PA State Police (717-299-7650 or 717-290-1967) or to our message inbox.