Background Information
Cumberland County is a county in the south-central region of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, the population was 255,223, making it the 11th-most populous county in Pennsylvania.
The Cumberland County District Attorney’s office was established in 1771 and is responsible for prosecuting all criminal cases in the county. The District Attorney is elected to a four-year term and is the chief law enforcement officer in the county.
Jurisdiction
The Cumberland County District Attorney’s office has jurisdiction over all criminal cases in the county, including:
- Homicide
- Rape
- Robbery
- Assault
- Theft
- Drug offenses
Responsibilities and Duties
The Cumberland County District Attorney holds a significant role within the criminal justice system, carrying out a wide range of responsibilities and duties. These encompass investigating and prosecuting criminal offenses, ensuring justice for victims and upholding the rule of law.
The District Attorney’s office is responsible for handling a multitude of criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, and juvenile offenses. They are tasked with gathering evidence, conducting investigations, and preparing cases for trial. The office also provides legal advice and guidance to law enforcement agencies, and represents the Commonwealth in criminal proceedings.
Role in the Criminal Justice System
The District Attorney plays a pivotal role in the criminal justice system, acting as a key decision-maker in the prosecution of criminal offenses. They have the authority to determine whether or not to file charges, and to negotiate plea agreements with defendants. The District Attorney also works closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that criminal investigations are conducted thoroughly and efficiently.
Specific Duties and Functions
- Investigating and prosecuting criminal offenses
- Gathering evidence and conducting witness interviews
- Preparing and filing criminal charges
- Negotiating plea agreements with defendants
- Representing the Commonwealth in criminal trials
- Providing legal advice to law enforcement agencies
- Managing a team of assistant district attorneys and support staff
- Ensuring compliance with ethical and legal standards
Current District Attorney
David Freed is the current District Attorney of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. He has held this position since January 2021.
Freed is a graduate of Dickinson College and the Dickinson School of Law. He has been a practicing attorney for over 25 years and has served as an Assistant District Attorney in Cumberland County for 15 years.
Vision and Goals
Freed’s vision for the District Attorney’s office is to make Cumberland County a safer place for all residents. He believes that this can be achieved by working closely with law enforcement, community organizations, and the courts to reduce crime and improve public safety.
Freed has set a number of goals for his tenure as District Attorney, including:
- Reducing the number of violent crimes in Cumberland County
- Improving the clearance rate for homicides
- Increasing the number of cases that are resolved through diversion programs
- Working with community organizations to address the root causes of crime
Major Cases and Accomplishments
The Cumberland County District Attorney’s office has successfully prosecuted numerous high-profile and complex cases. Their track record includes successful convictions, plea bargains, and dismissals.
In recent years, the office has secured convictions in cases involving homicide, drug trafficking, and white-collar crimes. They have also negotiated plea agreements that resulted in substantial prison sentences for defendants while avoiding lengthy and costly trials.
Successful Prosecutions
- Convicted a defendant for first-degree murder in a high-profile case that received national attention.
- Secured a conviction for a major drug trafficking organization, resulting in the seizure of large quantities of illegal drugs and the dismantling of the organization.
- Successfully prosecuted a public official for corruption charges, leading to the official’s resignation and imprisonment.
Plea Bargains
- Negotiated a plea agreement in a murder case that resulted in a defendant pleading guilty to manslaughter and receiving a 10-year prison sentence.
- Secured a plea bargain in a drug trafficking case that resulted in a defendant pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute narcotics and receiving a 5-year prison sentence.
- Negotiated a plea agreement in a white-collar crime case that resulted in a defendant pleading guilty to fraud and receiving a 2-year prison sentence.
Dismissals
- Successfully dismissed charges against a defendant after presenting evidence of their innocence.
- Dismissed charges against a defendant due to lack of sufficient evidence.
- Dismissed charges against a defendant after negotiating a diversionary program that allowed the defendant to avoid criminal prosecution.
The Cumberland County District Attorney’s office has consistently maintained a high conviction rate and has been recognized for its effective and efficient handling of major cases.
Controversies and Challenges
The Cumberland County District Attorney’s office has faced some controversies and challenges in recent years. These include allegations of prosecutorial misconduct, ethical concerns, and public criticism.
Public Criticism
The office has been criticized for its handling of certain cases, including the prosecution of a man who was later exonerated. The office has also been criticized for its use of plea bargains and for its lack of transparency.
Ethical Concerns
The office has been the subject of several ethical complaints, including allegations of political bias and conflicts of interest. The office has also been criticized for its use of confidential information.
Response to Controversies
The office has responded to these controversies by implementing new policies and procedures. These include the creation of a new ethics policy, the establishment of a new public integrity unit, and the release of more information about its operations.
Community Involvement and Initiatives
The Cumberland County District Attorney’s office actively engages with the community through various outreach programs and initiatives. These efforts aim to build relationships, address concerns, and promote public safety.
The office collaborates with local organizations, schools, and community groups to host events, workshops, and educational presentations. These initiatives focus on crime prevention, victim assistance, and promoting legal literacy.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The District Attorney’s office has established successful partnerships with law enforcement agencies, social service providers, and community leaders. These collaborations enhance the office’s ability to address complex issues such as drug abuse, domestic violence, and juvenile delinquency.
One notable partnership is with the Cumberland County Children’s Advocacy Center, which provides comprehensive services to child victims of abuse. The District Attorney’s office works closely with the center to investigate and prosecute cases involving child abuse.
