Tougher Pa. Gun Laws Receive Montgomery County DA's Support

Risa Ferman says it could reduce violence in Montco.

Delaware Valley politicians ban together to fight to get tougher gun laws. The district attorneys in the Greater Philadelphia area have put their heads together to find ways to restrict illegal weapons in the region. Risa Vetri Ferman, Montgomery County District Attorney, told Nesworks that "the legislation could also help reduce violence in [Montgomery County] areas." According to a report by WHYY, Ferman has "joined a bipartisan contingent of lawmakers to discuss new state legislation setting a mandatory minimum two-year sentence for illegally carrying a firearm in Philadelphia." To read the full report and all the bill entails, visit the Newsworks story here.

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Victims Benefit A Success For Montco BACA

Bikers Against Child Abuse exceed last year's Victims Benefit total.

The Montgomery County chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse held their Fifth-annual Victims Benefit on Saturday night, packing the ballroom at Third and Walnut and raising over $1,600 for child abuse victims and local charities. "We all feel that it was a big success," said Richard Bennett, president of the Montco BACA. "We had some good friends get together to raise money for a great cause. We also want to offer a big thank you to Mike from Third and Walnut for all he has done for us." In addition to the food, drinks, raffles and door prizes, the group took time to recognize the efforts of several individuals for their extraordinary work in the community, including Jim Hay, who was presented with an autographed BACA plaque for his efforts…

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Montco Gets Grant to Fight Illegal Gambling

Increased funding arrives right before Valley Forge Casino Resort set to open its doors in Upper Merion

With the first casino in Montgomery County set to open this spring, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has presented Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman with a $150,000 grant to help fight illegal gambling operations. "This is an opportunity because of an appropriation that the [gaming control] board gets from the general assembly to award grants to law enforcement agencies here in Pennsylvania who are willing to deal with the problem of illegal gambling," said William Ryan Jr., chairman of the gaming control board.  "We know it's out there, but it sometimes doesn't get the attention it deserves," Ryan said.  "Providing these funds will enable Risa and her office to continue an effort against illegal gambling here in …

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K-9 is A-1 Thanks to D.A. and Days

Montgomery Township supervisors recognized accomplishments of District Attorney Risa Ferman and township residents Richard and Mary Day for their contributions to the canine unit

Montgomery Township Police’s Canine Division has sunk its teeth into success thanks to District Attorney Risa Ferman and township residents Richard and Mary Day. Supervisors are indebted to Ferman and the Days for their support of the canine unit, and all three were recognized and honored Monday night. The fruits of the labor of that trio, as well as the leadership of county Sheriff Eileen Behr, were proven by recognition Monday of the fourth canine team of Montgomery Township Police, comprised of new canine handler Officer Brian Schreiber and Canine Officer Bauer. Schreiber and Bauer were honored for their completion in canine handler training in Sanford, N.C. The D.A.  “District Attorney Ferman has been very supportive of our police …

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Tony Di Domizio

6:15 pm on Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Hello Patch readers, What's your opinion on Montgomery Township's fourth canine team coming to fruition? Do you think it's a good idea? Should more police departments push for a canine team?   more ›

Kudos to Montgomery Twp. Police, FDMT & Supporters

Numerous recognitions are on the agenda tonight for Montgomery Township Police, Fire Department of Montgomery Township and their supporters

Numerous accolades for Montgomery Township Police and emergency responders - and District Attorney Risa Ferman - will make up the bulk of the supervisors' meeting this evening. Ferman will be honored for her "enthusiasm, dedication and support of the police's canine unit," according to an action summary. Ferman provided $6,000 toward the cost of the purchase and training for two canine teams. In January 2011, the police had requested supervisors authorize two police officers to attend canine handler training. In May 2011, Officer Daniel Rose and Canine Officer Duke attended training in North Carolina. On Aug. 22, 2011, supervisors authorized Officer Brian Schreiber and Canine Officer Bauer to attend training in North Carolina. "With her …

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DA Will Pursue Death Penalty for Veterinarian Charged With Killing Pregnant Lover

David Rapoport, however, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Friday.

Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin said Friday he would seek the death penalty for David Rapoport, the married veterinarian who has been charged with shooting his girlfriend, Jennifer Snyder, and their unborn child to death in March. As his mother, Nancy Rapoport, sat quietly sobbing for the duration of the proceeding, David Rapoport pleaded not guilty at his formal arraignment before Judge Robert L. Steinberg. Steinberg read the two charges, which include criminal homicide of Snyder, the veterinary technician with whom he worked for several years, with a 9mm handgun in the head and back. This charge warrants the death penalty, Steinberg said. The second charge is criminal homicide of an unborn child. The charges are aggravated by …

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Mock Tragedy Strikes North Penn High School

North Penn Seniors learn the consequences of drinking and driving

On Tuesday morning, near the bus circle of North Penn High School, a bloody right arm stuck out from under a white sheet that was draped grimly over the high schooler's body. His feet were still inside the passenger side of the maroon Hyundai. A pool of blood settled into the pores of the asphalt near his head. Closeby, there was another victim: a young girl in a pink plaid coat, her right foot bent to the side following the ejection. The front-end of the Hyundai was smashed beyond recognition. The same goes for the purple Plymouth sedan that met it head-on. The driver of that car wasn't so lucky either. A Towamencin cop sped onto the scene. The loud sirens of Towamencin Vol. Fire Co. followed behind. Eventually, a PennStar MedEvac …

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Busted

POLICE: Repeat Traffic Offender Arrested in Towamencin Hit-and-Run

Mukesh Shah, 54, of Hatfield, is charged with accidents involving death or injury and other violations following a March 23 hit-and-run. He has pleaded guilty to seven traffic violations since 2000.

Towamencin Township Police and Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman have arrested a Hatfield man in connection with a March 23 hit-and-run at Forty Foot Road and Tapestry Way. Mukesh K. Shah, 54, of the 100 block of West Vine Street, Hatfield, was arrested March 28 and charged in the hit-and-run that critically injured a Korean pedestrian, identified as Esther Lee. Lee remains at Abington Hospital in critical condition. Shah is charged with accidents involving death or injury, false reports to law enforcement authorities, unsworn falsification to police, recklessly endangering another person, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, failue to give duty and render aid, and failure to immediately notify an accident to the …

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POLICE: Search is on for Driver Who Hit Pedestrian

Police are on the lookout for a blue-green vehicle with front headlight damage

Towamencin Police and Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman are on the lookout for a blue/green-colored vehicle with front headlight damage, following an early morning hit and run at Tapestry Way and Forty Foot Road in Towamencin Wednesday. A Korean woman remains in critical condition at Abington Hospital Trauma Center, police said. Her identity has not been released. Police said the woman was struck at 6:09 a.m. Wednesday. Witnesses are asked to contact Towamencin Police at (215) 368-7606 or the District Attorney's Office at (610) 278-3368. Upon arrival on the scene Wednesday morning, police were unale to locate the striking vehilce at the scene of the crash. An investigation revealed the color of the vehicle and damage, and …

Montgomery Township starting a new K-9 enforcement dog as early as May

Public Safety Advisory Committee recently met to discuss recent business and topics of public safety

Montgomery Township Police Chief Rich Brady announced at the Public Safety Advisory Committee meeting Wednesday evening that the township is currently in the process of interviewing, selecting and then training a new law enforcement canine that could be on duty as early as this May. “The department has chosen Officer Daniel Rose to be the new dog’s handler,” said Brady. Montgomery Count District Attorney Risa Furman is donating $6,000 to offset the cost of the training. The dog selected will be trained at the Tarheel Canine Training facility in North Carolina. In other police news, three officers from the department received letters of commendation. Officers Robert Hart, James Matlack, and John McGready all received the letters of …