About Me

My photo
Nazareth, Pa., United States

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

"Victim" of Revenge Porn Posted Videos Herself Online

Yesterday, I told you that Northampton County DA Steve Baratta authorized a private criminal complaint by county Republican chair Glenn Geissinger against four elected state committee members Steve Lynch, Deb Biro, Melanie Heilman and Richard Morea as a result of their unruly and disruptive behavior at a county committee meeting on June 8, 2023. At that time, two Republican County committee members who are married to each other were confronted with pictures of them engaged in intimate relations, together with accusations that they had posted several videos on an Internet porn site. Both have denied to me that they were aware that their intimate videos had been taken and posted online. But I learned yesterday afternoon that the female half of this married couple posted those videos herself. She admitted it to me.

When this first happened, I was deeply concerned about this woman's mental health. She was already suffering from depression, and abruptly left the meeting after being confronted. She had been attacked on social media by Steve Lynch's myrmidons with comments like this: "[A]re they little problems or big problems, meaning are the 5.56 problems or .308 problems or,…. Do we have .50BMG to problems, You got problems, I’ll solve it, check out the beat while my DJ revolves it." Moreover, the husband half of this married couple was suspicious that someone stole their private videos.

Although police declined to file charges, I thought approval of the private criminal complaint might provide some measure of justice. So did the female "victim" who texted me after my story published to tell me. it was a "good story."

And that's the problem. It's a good story, but it's not the truth. I finally got that yesterday afternoon. 

It's no secret that I'm no fan of Steve Lynch, whose constant conspiracy theories and bullying of everyone who disagrees with him, make him a threat to democracy. He and his allies have disrupted meetings before the one that took place on June 8, 2023. He was ejected from a Nazareth eatery after disrupting a meeting there. But his bad behavior is no justification for dishonesty. 

After my story initially posted, I received numerous comments, including this one:

"The "Victim" admitted (after initially lying) on the Bethlehem township police report #23-04723 that she was not hacked and that she uploaded the videos herself to her and her husband's public porn hub site. This police report is available to the public. Do your research before blindly defending these people. It's just going to make you look bad in the end when the whole naked truth comes out."

I immediately contacted both husband and wife.

Husband told me that the first time he knew these videos were posted online was at the June 8, 2023 meeting. 

After nearly a year, the wife finally acknowledged to me yesterday afternoon that "I was not completely honest with you." She flat-out lied to me, and on several occasions. 

Her explanation: "I never imagined anyone would see them and I don't know how they could've found them amongst the millions of photos and videos that are available online."

If she didn't think anyone would see them, then why post them in the first place? 

Now look, I'm no prude. It makes no difference to me whether someone wants to post his or her private sex life online. I think it's a bit odd, but I won't judge. But when a person lies and maintains that lie for nearly a year and allows a person to defend her based on that lie, it's a pretty clear indication that person is untrustworthy.  

Does this mean the private criminal complaint filed by Geissinger lacks merit? No, they are predicated on unruly behavior at a meeting, not the sex tapes themselves. I do think that the First Amendment, which guarantees core political speech, might encompass at least rowdy behavior. 

It seems to me that NorCo GOP committee members have formed a circle and are just shooting each other. Glenn Geissinger should be asking himself if he really wants to ruin his own county party. 

Monday, March 18, 2024

NorCo DA Authorizes Private Criminal Complaint By GOP Chair Against Four State Committee Members

Glenn Geissinger
Northampton County DA Steve Baratta has authorized the filing of a private criminal complaint by GOP party chair Glenn Geissinger against four elected members of the Republican State Committee. Steve Lynch, Debra Biro, Melanie Heilman and Richard Morea have each been charged with eight counts of harassment and disorderly conduct as a result of their conduct at a Republican County committee meeting on June 8, 2023. All charges are third degree misdemeanors, punishable by up to one year in prison and a maximum fine of $2,500. 

Lynch opposed Geissinger in the race for county chair and lost. These four committee members have been openly hostile to Geissinger since that time and have disrupted several meetings. 

During that June 8 meeting, two Republican committee members who are married to each other were confronted with pictures of them engaged in intimate relations, together with accusations that they had posted several videos on an Internet porn site. Both have denied to me that they were aware that their intimate videos had been taken and posted online. 

These two married committee members have been Geissinger supporters.

To make sure that I was aware of what was going on, someone calling himself "Another concerned Republican" emailed me some of the photos. Because it is a crime to share intimate photographs of another person without his or her consent, I forwarded this email to former DA Terry Houck.   

Steve Lynch
After being accosted with these images at the county committee meeting on June 8. the female married committee member abruptly left and has refused to return since that time. Deeply embarrassed and already suffering from depression, it was touch-and-go with her for awhile. That's why I decided against writing the details of this story at the time. 

The four state committee members have since been banned from attending county meetings.

This matter was investigated by two police departments who decided against filing charges. But Geissinger's private criminal complaint was still under consideration when DA Terry Houck left office. 

After taking office, representatives of the District Attorney's office met with Geissinger, after which his private criminal complaint was approved.  "I am very grateful to the District Attorney's office," said Geissinger. 

Will this divide county Republicans in a crucial Presidential election year? Geissinger believes it will do the opposite. "I believe this is going to help the party," he said. "Unruly and disruptive behavior by a few is not going to prevent the party from doing its job, which is supporting our Republican candidates."

WFMZ-TV69 also has a report on these charges, which are hotly disputed by Defendants Lynch and Heilman. 

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for April 23. 

Morning Call Fails To Even Acknowledge LTE Submitted by Prominent Local Attorney

Bill Malkames is a highly regarded zoning lawyer who practices in Allentown. I've told you before about his love for practically all sports. He met Judge Ed Cahn, himself a Lehigh University basketball hall of famer, in a pick up game. His real athletic prowess was in biathlons and triathlons. In his 50s, he once defeated the Naval Academy's entire team in a biathlon. But that's only a part of his story. Let be give you some more.

The guy is a frickin' genius. So smart that they rushed him through high school. I think he graduated when he was 9. He went to both Muhlenberg and University of Pennsylvania Law School on academic scholarships. At age 90, he still practices law and is still winning cases in Allentown. He reads voraciously, and can quote from poems like Oscar Wilde's Reading Gaol once the Sangria (his favorite vitamin) kicks in. 

Though gifted genetically, he does have some flaws. He's a terrible Hearts player. And despite his intelligence, he's an unabashed conservative. My life's mission is to bring him and his wife back from the Dark Side. 

He recently sent a letter to the editor to The Morning Call, the Lehigh Valley's largest daily. He criticizes the newspaper for its "far left leaning" proclivity in headlines, columns and even cartoon selections. You can read his brief missive below.

Whether Bill's criticism is correct is irrelevant to me. What disturbs me is that the newspaper has failed to even acknowledge receipt. That reflects a disdain for nearly all the customers it is supposed to serve. The result is fewer subscriptions, ads and reporters to keep you informed. In short, it's bad business.     

Bill Malkames LTE by BernieOHare on Scribd

Friday, March 15, 2024

Easton Police Chief Carl Scalzo's Full Statement Concerning Sultana Arrest and Her Subsequent Accusations

Yesterday, I reported on Wednesday evening's City Council meeting in Easton. I believe it was actually the most significant local government meeting to have taken place over the past several years. Not because body cam video was played. Not because it embarrasses Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana. This meeting stood out to me because Chief Carl Scalzo finally gave a full-throated defense of what local police officers do and how much people like him care. 

Personal integrity means very little to most of us, but it matters a great deal to a good cop. Years ago, I remember interviewing Upper Nazareth Police Chief Alan Siegfried when he ran (unsuccessfully) for Magisterial District Judge in Nazareth. I forget exactly what I asked him, but I'll never forget his steely blue eyes when he told me he'd never lie for anyone. That's a good cop. I've seen that same attitude in most other police officers. 

Of course, a police officer who breaks the law should be vigorously prosecuted. But we've tarnished them all with movements like "Defund the Police!" or Allentown's "Fuck the police!" demonstration, led by a convicted felon on the basis of information that proved to be incorrect. Instead of admonishing this thug, his nonprofit has been showered with state and federal grants from "leaders" who have refused to stand up for the people who actually keep you safe at night.

Easton Police Chief Carl Scalzo stood up for his own at Wednesday evening's City Council meeting. Mayor Sal Panto and Council member Frank Pintabone did so as well. I think it's important to let  you read for yourself what Chief Scalzo had to say as 10 uniformed police officers stood quietly in the back of the room. 

EPD Chief Scalzo's Statement Concerning Arrest of Taiba Sultana by BernieOHare on Scribd

Thursday, March 14, 2024

To Disprove Allegations of Political Bias and Racism, Easton Police Chief Releases Body Cam Footage of Council Member's Arrest

At last night's Easton City Council meeting, Easton Polic Chief Carl Scalzo responded to a request by Council members Frank Pintabone, Ken Brown and Jim Edinger concerning multiple accusations of racism and political bias made by Council member Taiba Sultana. These came after her arrest in July for assaulting her adult son. He strongly denied Sultana's accusations, noting that his accredited department's mission statement requires officers to treat everyone like members of their own family, regardless of status. He also responded to DA Steve Baratta's assertion, during an ARD (first offender) hearing for Sultana, that there had been "political twisting" and that "political avenues could raise their head."  He seemed, however, to be satisfied by later statements, in which Baratta said he would have dismissed the case if he thought it was politically motivated.  Chief Scalzo closed by playing the body cam footage of interviews with Sultana, her adult son and other members of the family that clearly demonstrate that police officers acted professionally and treated everyone, both victim and Sultana, with respect. 

I physically attended last night's meeting, something I have not done since COVID first reared its ugly head. As I walked into City Hall, I opened the door right into my own ugly head. Either the cataracts in my left eye are playing games with my depth perception or Mayor Sal Panto knew I was coming and spring loaded the door. I was unaware I was bleeding until the meeting was half over. 

In prepared remarks, which I will post separately once I obtain them, Chief Scalzo noted his department has been accredited for over 15 years. "That is why I was so upset, was offended, and I was angry when I heard and read the comments posted by Councilwoman Sultana that alleged that her arrest was somehow unfair, unwarranted or based on something other than our officers answering a 9-1-1 call from a young man seeking help."

The past several meetings were flooded by pro-Palestinian cease-fire proponents encouraged by Sultana, and they promised to keep coming, too. But last night, there were no flags or people draped in Yassir Arafat scarves. Sultana, however, has apparently learned a trick from her Hamas backers. She used children as human shields. She brought two of her children to the meeting and propped them up behind the dais, even though one of them was whimpering and clearly would have preferred to be anywhere else. Her husband sulked in a hallway outside. Instead of caring for the children, he let Sultana use them as political props.

There were no people wearing the Palestinian kaffiyeh, but there were 10 persons in the back of the room dressed in a different kind of uniform. They were Easton police officers and were obviously there in a sign of solidarity with their chief. 

District Attorney Steve Baratta was also present. He had a suit and tie. 

"Are you here for the cease-fire resolution?" I asked.

"If you want me to be," he responded. 

Chief Scalzo said he was releasing the body cam footage "to be transparent with the community we serve and to ensure that we have not violated the oath that every single one of us has sworn to uphold." He added that playing the video is "necessary to regain the trust of the citizens of this community. I say this because I genuinely believe that there are real life consequences to making statements such as those made by Council woman Sultana. My officers will have to deal with those negative consequences for the foreseeable future and attempt to convince the public that those statements are invalid."

Easton police are required to respond to all complaints of domestic abuse, no matter who is involved. Although parents may physically discipline minor children, any physical violence against an adult child is considered an assault. If there is an assault with physical injury, police are required to make an arrest. 

Chief Scalzo noted that police obtained statements from the victim and Sultana, took pictures and also obtained statements from other children indicating that she has been violent on several occasions. In one instance, the victim had to seek stitches after an assault. Police take these statements and photos in every case because victims often will later recant their accusations and "in doing so, remain in a potentially dangerous and abusive relationship." 

In recent years, the ranks of police officers have been dwindling nationwide. This is at least partially the result of calls to "defund the police" or even "fuck the police," which echoed a few short years ago on the streets of Allentown. "This profession and the officers who choose to serve across this country are constantly under attack, " noted Scalzo. "Yet these men and women continuously answer the call when community members need help. They don't ask for praise. They don't ask for appreciation. But I do not believe it fair to accuse these officers of racial bias or political bias when it simply did not occur. It is well past time that government leaders, political leaders and even law enforcement leaders begin to stand up for these officers and not only defend them when they do things the right way but praise them for their willingness to stand in defense for all of those who need help. I can assure you that our officers answered the call for help that afternoon and this department and these officers deserve much better than what they got in this instance."

Mayor Sal Panto noted he has the "utmost respect for our law enforcement officers. ... It is the men and women of the police department who have put their lives on the line and made this city a safe city" He noted that when he took office in 2008, the City was infested by the Latin Kings, the Bloods and Crips. Now they're largely gone, thanks to police. In response to Sultana's repeated allegations of political bias, Panto stated, "We are not involved politically. We are not involved at all." 

Sultana had no response to Chief Scalzo's or Mayor Panto remarks. During the time during which Council members report on what their committees are doing, she had no report. Instead, she reminded everyone that this was the fourth anniversary of the death of Breeana Taylor, who was killed by Kentucky police mistakenly executing a "no-knock" warrant at the wrong address. She called it an example of "systemic racism and police brutality," adding that "we must demand accountability, transparency and meaningful change in our law enforcement system." 

The last person to speak was Pam Panto, a former Council member and the Mayor's wife. "Ms. Sultana should be more concerned about the violence in her home instead of all the other issues." She also complained about Sultana having two of her children sitting with her behind the dais.  "It's not 'Bring your children to work' day. ... The father is here. The children should be with the father." 

During the meeting, progressive Democratic Lehigh Valley For All (who agree with us) released their slate of endorsed Democratic candidates in the state house races. They recommended Bob Freeman with three stars and gave Sultana a "not recommended." She's the only candidate in any of the state or federal races who specifically is "not recommended." Sultana claims "they have betrayed their own message and turned on communities of color to stoke [sic] their ego and to benefit a longtime do-nothing legislator." Yet in another disputed state house race (Pa House 131), the group endorsed Meriam Sabih, a Pakistani Muslim. 

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Warren Wants NorCo Council to Support Rent Caps on Manufactured Homes

At last week's Northampton County Council meeting, fair housing advocate Jeffrey Zettlemoyer claimed that large-scale developers have entered the mobile or manufactured home market. He noted that when he was employed by Moore Tp, there were 18 mobile home parks. He asserted they are being gobbled up by major developers, who in turn will triple the rent (lot fee). This pushes people with low and moderate incomes out of the Lehigh Valley and into Carbon County, where rents are cheaper. 

Later in the meeting, Council member Jeff Warren noted there is state legislation (SB 861 and HB 805) pending that would place a cap on lot fees for manufactured homes. State Rep. Bob Freeman is a sponsor of the House Bill. He said he knows about these increased rents because it happened to his mother. Although the county government has no control over rental fees, he suggested that County Council might wish to consider a resolution supporting the state legislation. "We can't set a cap on these lot fees, but what we can do is send a strong message."

NorCo Has Received 21,963 Mail-In Ballots

At last week's meeting of Northampton County Council, Executive Lamont McClure reported that 21,963 applications for mail-in ballots have been received. Democrats account for 16,821 and Republicans for 5,142. 

Expect this number to grow. The deadline for a mail-in or absentee ballot is April 16, 5 pm. (The application must be received by that date and time. The deadline for returning a completed ballot is primary election day, April 23, 8 pm. (The completed ballot must be returned by that date and time). 

You can apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot online