Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office

HAPPENING NOW: June 2021 Hybrid ONE STOP Job & Resource Hub

I would encourage the Pennsylvania District Attorney's Association (PDAA) to expand its mission and scope, because the public is crying out for criminal justice reform in the streets and at the ballot box. Perhaps by dispensing with its retrograde, pro-prison industrial complex politics, and actually working to implement policies that serve the people, the PDAA might find itself in a position of political relevance and, more importantly, of value to the Commonwealth.

TODAY: Check out our monthly One Stop Job & Resource Hub virtually OR in-person! Over 50 employers and service providers will be offering job and housing opportunities, social services, and more. Everyone, including people returning from incarceration, high school and college grads, veterans, and the community at-large are strongly encouraged to attend! Spread the word and join us today on Zoom (link below) or at Rock Ministries (2755 Kensington Ave.) starting at 3 p.m. zoom.us/j/98936929218 #CommunityEngagement #EmploymentOpportunities #SocialServices #TraumaInformedCare #Philly

First and foremost we need new initiatives that focus on addressing this crisis through a public health lens, rather than policing and law enforcement." - Councilmember Jamie Gauthier

"We wanted to make sure it was comprehensive, we wanted to make sure it was providing social services, educational support, and we wanted to make sure the young person was going to be mentored." Thanks to Eric Moody at 6abc Action News for this great coverage of our juvenile diversion partnership with PhillyConnect:

Looking to get your life back on track after contact with the criminal justice system? Check out this important information below.

"When we're working with families, we have a dialogue with them ... we're learning from them. All of us have a voice where we're able to inform the work of prevention." - CARES Dir. Rev. Myra Maxwell.

Harm reduction saves lives and helps keep families and communities whole. A righteous and healthy society does not abandon vulnerable people to die alone and without dignity," said DA Krasner about today's ruling on overdose prevention sites.

I want to be clear: Anyone in Philadelphia County who attempts to disrupt the peace ahead of President-elect Joseph Biden’s inauguration will be held accountable by local law enforcement and by my office," said DA Krasner. "Our democracy is too precious, and holds too much promise, not to protect with all of our power and authority. Members of the public who want to report public safety concerns related to Inauguration Day on January 20 can call 911 or the Philadelphia District Attorney's election hotline: 215-686-9641

Video: Philly DA Announces Renewed Funding for Homicide Response (6 ABC)

Temple alum’s martial arts program aims to pull kids away from gun violence

Since the onset of the pandemic, our amazing CARES team has continued to do the hard and important work of serving Philadelphians who have had a loved one taken from them by violence, said DA Krasner. This important Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency funding will enable our team to continue providing children and families with supports that are so critical in the immediate aftermath of a homicide."

How to get involved in Philly's Martin Luther King Day of Service -- from reading coaching to citywide cleanups:

What do you know about the Philadelphians killed by guns this year? At least know their names.

Philly has a ton of worker protection laws. But do workers actually know they exist?

DA: Armed man arrested near Pa. Convention Center in November participated in Capitol riot

House of Umoja was based on an Afrocentric concept of self-worth, and that you are your brother’s keeper, said Councilmember Curtis Jones, a former House of Umoja resident. So could that be instituted today? I would say yes. Law enforcement alone cannot stop the public health crisis that is gun violence. Community-driven interventions are critical to preventing bloodshed.

Remember: If you're struggling emotionally this holiday season, you're not alone -- help is available.

As gun violence continues to plague communities across Philadelphia, our Community Engagement Chief, G. Lamar Stewart, joined this weekend's peace procession organized by local funeral homes to urge people to put down their guns and prevent more tragedy.

If you have any information that can help investigators solve these weekend shootings, call the Philadelphia Police Department's anonymous tip line: 215-686-TIPS (8477).

TOMORROW is the deadline to request your mail-in ballot. Get started here: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/OnlineAbsenteeApplicat/ #PhillyVotes

Our office wishes all who celebrate a safe & happy Hanukkah!

It’s the 15th case cleared by the CIU since DA Larry Krasner took office in 2018. ‘It’s just another example of how cases were prosecuted decades ago in this city, Cummings said. [Prosecutors and police] seem to ignore often troves of evidence pointing in an entirely different direction, and what that results in is a fundamentally unfair trial.’

"In Philadelphia, between January and March 2020, 273 people died from overdoses. Between April and June, there were 309 fatal overdoses the highest number in a single quarter since the third quarter of 2017." If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder during this difficult time, remember that you're not alone. Access to treatment and other supports is available: https://mindphltogether.com/

Ejercita su derecho sagrado. Por favor encuentre el lugar de votacion anticipada mas cerca de su casa para votar: https://www.philadelphiavotes.com//1845-open_satellite_ele

"We are just as focused on going after serious gun violence as we are making sure innocent people do not sit in jail," DA Larry Krasner told CBS This Morning.

This case highlights the worst and the best of prosecution. Mr. Martinez was convicted and imprisoned for 30 years after a fundamentally unfair trial that lacked integrity. But his freedom was secured today, thanks to the integrity of an appellate prosecutor in this office, the Conviction Integrity Unit’s diligence in seeking justice, and the fairness of the court, said DA Krasner of our CIU’s 15th exoneration, led by Supervisor Patricia Cummings.

"Latinos are hospitalized for nonfatal gun injuries at more than double the rate, and Black patients at more than 10 times the rate, of their white counterparts, the Everytown for Gun Safety analysis found."

Ballot question: Should Philly constitutionally abolish ‘stop and frisk’ and would it make a difference? #PhillyVotes

Stay at home whenever possible, practice social distancing, and #MaskUpPHL . Working together, we will safely get through this pandemic.

In order to earn the trust of the public, law enforcement must take an even-handed approach in applying justice, always, Krasner said. We must also acknowledge that uniformed officers of the law have a higher duty to build and earn trust with the public they are tasked to protect and serve.

Our COVID-19 report documents some of the ways in which the current public health emergency & the policies implemented to address it have impacted criminal justice in Philly: https://data.philadao.com/COVID19_Report.html

Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Joshua Parambath of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office’s (DAO) Charging Unit knew from a young age that he wanted to help people. Growing up with immigrant parents his mother came from India to the greater Philadelphia area during her elementary school years, and his father arrived some years later, in his 20s he was acutely aware of how difficult it was for immigrants to access justice through state systems. Learn more about him in the latest Profiles in Justice:

"All criminal justice stakeholders need to look to best practices in other jurisdictions that are allowing the people’s business to be handled in court as much as possible in these difficult times," DA Krasner said. "Better practices exist and are possible in Philadelphia, with careful and thoughtful action. The District Attorney’s Office calls on all our criminal justice partners to join us to make our courts work for everyone and to moderate our jail populations in light of the pandemic."

District Attorney Larry Krasner on Thursday announced Aggravated Assault and related charges against a SEPTA Police Sgt. for his role in an incident involving two protesters at the site of the Frank Rizzo statue during the Black Lives Matter mass uprisings:

"This rise in firearm ownership is an opportunity to ensure that all new gun owners safely store their firearms when not in use, following best practices recommended by public health and firearm safety experts. Safer firearm storage saves lives." Safe storage of firearms isn't just common sense -- it's the law in Philly. You can also help make your family and community safer by requesting free, no-questions-asked gun locks: https://www.templesafetynet.org/request-a-gun-lock

"I try to make [survivors] understand that it takes about seven times before someone successfully leaves a domestic violence situation. I let them know no one’s judging you because you didn’t come to court last time you’re here now," says DAO Victim/Witness Coordinator Tracee Washington of her work supporting domestic violence survivors. Check out her profile below:

New in For the Commonwealth: Assistant District Attorney Katrina Wadas helps secure justice in a case involving a defendant convicted of abusing his step-grandaughter and her cousin:

The three-year project has produced a list of 55 indicators for measuring the performance of prosecutors’ offices. Four local prosecutors’ offices took part in the exploration -- including the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. New Tools for Measuring Prosecutors:

Ex-Temple frat president sentenced to state prison for attempted sexual assault

Did you miss last week's Virtual ONE STOP Job & Resource Hub? Check out the link below for access to over 50 employers and social service providers. Thanks to all of the employers, providers, and residents who participated on Thursday! Stay tuned for details about our January ONE STOP Hub.

New in For the Commonwealth: Assistant District Attorney Vilma Cubias secures justice in a case involving a defendant convicted of sexually assaulting his partner's roommate:

Babysitter to stand trial in the death of 2-year-old King Hill

Tonight: Join Committee of Seventy, Common Cause Pennsylvania, Assistant District Attorney Andrew Wellbrock, and host Cherri Gregg for a one-hour #WeVoteAtHome conversation on election protection. Tune in starting at 6 PM:

Happening now: Our December Virtual One Stop Job & Resource Hub Join us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3h7O5WyAKY or Zoom zoom.us/j/94901430217

Deadline today: The City is offering microgrants to qualifying community-based organizations to carry-out important criminal justice reform work. Learn more:

"I think that it's important we never dehumanize any of these folks. And art does that. Art works against dehumanization," said DA Krasner.

Philly Youth Skateboarding Leader Accused of Sexually Assaulting 2 Boys

"I had an opportunity to talk to someone direct and they set me right up with an interview," Louis Monroe of West Philly tells CBS Philly's Natasha Brown of his recent success finding employment at our Virtual One Stop Job & Resource Hub. Join us today starting at 3PM! Employment opportunities, trauma-informed services, and more will be on hand. Hope to see you this afternoon! https://zoom.us/j/94901430217

The DAO and Philadelphia Police Department are encouraging members of the public who are aware of information relating to Mr. Watkins to contact the PPD's Special Victims Unit: 2156853251 or call the PPD anonymous tip line: 215686-TIPS (8477).

Polls Signal an Opening for Alternative Anti-Violence Strategies