What:State Supreme Court suspends Somerset County District Attorney Jeffrey Thomas' law license, Why:Because of a new law, Somerset County DA Jeff Thomas is no longer receiving a paycheck, More:The latest on Somerset County DA: prohibited from any legal action in courthouse, protection order withdrawn. Somerset County D.A. Caruso said hiscommission can look at that kind of conduct that could lead to an allegation of conflict-of-interest under the ethics law.". The bill addresses what happens to district attorneys who havetheir law licensesuspended or become disbarred. David Hurst is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. Somerset County District Attorney Jeffrey Thomas was arrested Wednesday after police say he raped a woman. Somerset County Salary Board members, who alsomet Tuesday, voted to pay Metzgar the same as what was being paid to Thomas, which is a little more than $7,000 per pay period. William Cline of Somerset, a former county assistant district attorney in the early 2000s, and Sydney Bender of Patton, who is an associate attorney at the Law Office of Michael A.. Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. He said the county will review the suit and file a response within the court-mandated 20-day time frame. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.. "So it could be argued that if a public official takes an action that financially benefits a relative, that can be construed as a financial benefit as a result the family member not (having)to incur legal expenses, pay a fine, something along that line.. 2023 www.dailyamerican.com. Somerset County District Attorney's Office Mar 2020 - Oct 2021 1 year 8 months. Copy and paste this code into your website. State rules on criminal procedure dictate that a case against a defendant must go to trial within a year of the date charges were filed in this case, by September. Suggest Listing The first assistant district attorney would become the acting district attorney pending reinstatement of the elected district attorney, or until the end of the elected district attorneys current term. Last fall, state police charged Thomas with felony sexual assault and other offenses, saying he entered an acquaintances Windber home despite warnings to stay away. Thedisciplinary board does not issue information about the specifics of why a license is suspended. 420 into law that amended the state's county codes concerning qualification for the office of district attorney. Investigators said Thomas strangled her during the act before she was able to escape and that he agreed to leave after she promised she would not contact the police. In a Nov. 29 letter to Somerset County solicitor Michael Barbera,the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association noted that there is no state law makinga "distinction regarding salary or anything else for that matter between an 'acting' district attorney who serves pursuant to Act 88, and a district attorney who serves pursuant to an election other type of appointment.". The changes were approved by members of the county salary board Tuesday. He now works as anadjunct professor at Widener Law Commonwealth, where heteaches professional responsibility and ethics. Mostly crickets in Somerset County. Election 2019 provides a few upsets, other surprises, Attorney general's office amends charges against Somerset County district attorney, Why Pa. municipalities, schools must make agendas public prior to meetings, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. She has served as a Deputy District Attorney, Assistant Attorney General and as the State Representative for House District 57, serving on the Judiciary Committee. The letter bears Thomas' signature under his office's letterhead and is dated Sept. 13 before the state Office of . Video: Somerset County District Attorney Jeff Thomas charged with rape. Assistant State's Attorney, 2011-15, and Deputy State's Attorney, 2015-17, Somerset County. Lurie also noted the delay will also help because a separate witness for their defense will be traveling overseas due to a sudden death in that persons family. The Somerset County District Attorney, located in Somerset, PA, is an agency that prosecutes criminal cases on behalf of the Somerset government. "Whether or not it does is something the disciplinary board would determine.". Since the lawmakers present in both chambers ofthe Pennsylvania General Assemblyvoted unanimously for the bill, it is unlikely that the governor would veto the bill, since the lawmakers easily could override his veto. The case is currently in the early stages of moving toward trial. The Somerset County District Attorney, located in Skowhegan, ME, is an agency that prosecutes criminal cases on behalf of the Skowhegan government. You may not use this site for the purposes of furnishing consumer reports about search subjects or for any use prohibited by the FCRA. Your Profile? The law also provides that in a case of temporary suspension, such as the sanction Thomas received, the first assistant will act as district attorney if willing, qualified and able. William Cline of Somerset, a former county assistant district attorney in the early 2000s, and Sydney Bender of Patton, who is an associate attorney at the Law Office of Michael A. Sossong in Ebensburg, and has been a licensed attorney since 2015, are to be paid $32,000 annually. Bristol County District Attorney's Office Address Main Office 218 South Main Street, Suite 101, Fall River, MA 02721 Directions Phone (508) 997-0711 Online Bristol DA's Office Website Learn more about this organization Bristol County District Attorney's Office Get Directions Details Overview Hours Parking Overview David Hurst is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. In Somerset County, the district attorney is paid by the county with 65% of the salary being reimbursed by the state. Crisfield-Somerset County Airport Advisory Board. Ellich contributed to this article. Rain likely. "(Thomas) believes and avers that the defendants' action in stripping away pay and benefits was done without due process of law, as (Thomas) has maintained his innocence relating to all charges against him," the lawsuit says. Here's the latest for Monday November 29th: COVID-19 omicron variant found in more countries; Flooding in Washington state; Major abortion rights case goes to Supreme Court; Jewish festival of Hannukah begins. Though thedisciplinary board does not issue information about the specifics of why his license was suspended, Thomas has beenon a leave of absence since state police brought sexual assault-related charges against himin September. District Attorney's Office; Register of Probate; Agendas; Minutes; Notify Me; Submit A Request; Employment; Somerset County District Attorney Jeffrey Thomas is facing rape and assault charges after police say he assaulted an acquaintance Sept. 18. The Somerset County Prosecuting Attorney, located in Somerville, NJ, is an agency that prosecutes criminal cases on behalf of the Somerville government. Johnstown Magazine is a positive and forward-thinking monthly publication for the people of our region. Information found on CountyOffice.org is strictly for informational purposes and does not construe legal, financial or medical advice. 30500 Prince William St. Princess Anne, Md. This letter was later released to other media by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. A preliminary hearing for Amy Thomas has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Somerset County Courthouse before Judge Mark Bilik of Westmoreland County. An employee of Seger's office told the Daily American that the magistrate could not comment on the letter. You have permission to edit this article. Amy Thomas faces charges of simple assault and harassment. Ellich on Twitter at @dajudye. Office of State's Attorney 30500 Prince William St., Princess Anne, MD 21853 . The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association stated in a letter to Barbera, who received it Monday evening, that Metzgar "is entitled as a matter of law to receive the same compensation (as Thomas received).". "It would certainly be no surprise if the office of disciplinarycounsel is looking into it. Business Directory; Dispatch Log & Jail Bookings; Somerset County Bicentennial; Activities; Segers office has referred comments about both the existence of the letter and the Thomas case to the Office of Attorney General. Nov. 17, 2021, Gov. Find 5 District Attorney Offices within 46.4 miles of Somerset County District Attorney. Third party advertisements support hosting, listing verification, updates, and site maintenance. Court-appointed Senior Judge Timothy Creany granted Thomas attorneys motion to delay the case until Jan. 9, granting them time to obtain an expert medical report they said will be essential to defending him in court. High 63F. SOMERSET, Pa. Suspended Somerset County District Attorney Jeffrey Thomas trial on sexual assault charges has been continued to 2023. Find Court Records related to Somerset County District Attorney. 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Find 6 District Attorney Offices within 25.8 miles of Somerset County Prosecuting Attorney. 0:05. "With these hires, Molly has put us in position to succeed here," Leiden said. Prosecutors dismissed the idea, saying that only private information such as medical information or a social security number has been redacted and should remain that way for privacy reasons. Somerset County's salary board Commissioners Gerald Walker, Colleen Dawson and Pamela Tokar-Ickes, as well as then-Treasurer Donna Matsko-Schmitt halted his paychecks after the law was signed. "The Luzerne County District Attorney's Office is proud to join the statewide Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI) program. District Attorney's Office; Register of Probate; Agendas; Minutes; Notify Me; Submit A Request; Employment; The letter is addressed to District Judge William Seger at his Windber office, although Segers name and address are crossed out and the name Mankamyer is handwritten next to them. "I'm looking forward to working with the new hires to fill out the team.". Privacy Policy Chance of rain 70%. Follow Judy D.J. It is expected to be on Gov. The law, identified as. Senate Bill No. The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General is taking up a case against the wife of Somerset County District Attorney Jeffrey Thomas stemming from a domestic incident last month.. Senior Judge . She is tobe paid approximately$185,000 annually, which is what was the salary for District Attorney Jeffrey Thomas, whose position has been suspended because of a new state law, known as Act 88,on Nov. 26. The criminal complaint against Amy Thomas does not indicate why she allegedly tried to prevent her husband from leaving their residence, but, according to Windber police, she admitted to the act. Elk, Fayette, Mifflin, Montgomery, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, and Wyoming counties. Metzgar's position as first assistant assistant district attorney is toremain vacant. Thomas told The Tribune-Democrat he has dealt with Dickey both while working as a defense attorney and during his time in the DA's office and is "impressed with his knowledge of the law and his courtroom acumen.". Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Lawyer Bob Davis Jr., who is based out of Harrisburg, has served in the past asbar association counsel in West Virginia, assistantcounsel forthe State Bar of Georgiaand deputy chief and acting chief of the disciplinary board in Pennsylvania. In Somerset County, the district attorney is paid by the county with 65% of the salary being reimbursed by the state. Address, Phone Number, and Fax Number for Somerset County State Attorney, a District Attorney Office, at Prince William Street, Princess Anne MD. The commonwealth filed a petition to take jurisdiction of Amy Thomas' case Sept. 28. Low 48F. The delay also means that, barring a resolution to the case prior to trial, the Thomas case would linger into the election year for his county district attorneys office seat. CountyOffice.org does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). First Assistant District Attorney Molly Metzgar has taken over the duties of district attorney since Thomas took a leave of absence to work on the matter of criminal charges. "The District Attorney's Office, although located in the courthouse, is not under county commissioners' supervision, nor is it part of the . A day after the disciplinary counsel's ruling, Somerset County President Judge D. Gregory Geary issued an administrative order that galvanized the temporary suspension of the law license of Thomas. Sep. 8SOMERSET, Pa. Suspended Somerset County District Attorney Jeffrey Thomas is suing the county for suspending his salary and benefits. Creany said Friday he was already taking steps to prepare for Thomas trial, with initial questionnaires already sent to 200 potential jurors about the possibility of serving in the case. "Because of this, the Speaker of the (House) and I agreed that I was unable to vote on the matter pursuant to our House rules. Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. Attorneys from the state Office of Attorney General who are prosecuting sexual assault and strangulation charges against Thomas told the judge Friday they had no objection to defense attorneys receiving more time. Services for Citizens. CountyOffice.org does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Currently, there is no requirement that a person elected to the office of district attorney possess an active license to practice law at the time of entering office, which SB 420 will require, Sen. Yaw said in a statement on his website. Third party advertisements support hosting, listing verification, updates, and site maintenance. And even though a state law approved in 2021 after Thomas' law license was suspended prohibits elected prosecutors from serving while their licenses are suspended, that change was not retroactive, Pittsburgh attorney Richard Haft wrote. Citizens charged with crimes have a constitutional right to an attorney in the United States. Prosecutors have already turned over that information to defense attorneys including all messages between the woman and Thomas and any messages referencing him to other people, as well as other messages, Senior Deputy Attorney General Patrick Schulte said. SOMERSET, Pa. - Somerset County District Attorney Jeffrey L. Thomas sought to have charges against his wife dropped last month, soon after she was accused by Windber police of assaulting. David Hurst is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, State Supreme Court suspends Somerset County District Attorney Jeffrey Thomas' law license, Because of a new law, Somerset County DA Jeff Thomas is no longer receiving a paycheck, The latest on Somerset County DA: prohibited from any legal action in courthouse, protection order withdrawn, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. In situations when a public defender deems someone is not qualified or signals that there is a conflict preventing them from representing a client, the county's president judge has a final say. "I think it certainly raises the issue of whether or not that action constitutes a conflict of interest under the Rules of Professional Conduct," said Melissa Melewsky, media law counsel for the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association. Address, Phone Number, and Fax Number for Somerset County District Attorney, a District Attorney Office, at Court Street, Skowhegan ME. Haft wrote that despite the actions taken by the disciplinary board and county officials, Thomas remains the duly elected district attorney of Somerset County, and he was neither impeached nor did he resign the only permissible reasons to cut his pay, Haft argued. Reporters Eric Kieta and Judy D.J. SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) A Somerset County man is facing a slew of felony charges after authorities said he sold meth and heroin in the area over the past several years. Chance of rain 70%. Using the officialletterhead of his office, Jeff Thomaswrote a memo to Segerdated Sept. 13 informing him that the district attorney'soffice was dropping the charges against AmyThomas. He said Jeff Thomas' letter could have been part of what drew the attention of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, which has shown interest in the Somerset County district attorney. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. CountyOffice.org does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). But the Somerset County Courthouse is a county building. Wolf has the option of signing the bill into law, vetoing the bill or letting it ride for 10 days at which point it will automatically become Pennsylvania law. In Skowhegan, the District Attorney plays a central role in criminal cases, working with police to decide whether to bring charges and prosecuting the case in court. Sheriff's Office Somerset County Jail. 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