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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Monday, July 28, 2014

District Judge Taschner To Handle StickerGate

The prosecution of Nazareth's dangerous Sticker Gang is no longer being heard by District Judge John Capobianco. In what has to be a relief for him, the controversial case is now being heard by District Judge Jackie Taschner.  Since Judge Capobianco and Nazareth Police Chief Thomas Trachta operate in the same small building, and Judge Capobianco was being asked to rule on a matter involving criticisms of the Chief, I could see that he would want to avoid even a hint of impropriety.

Judge Capobianco, a former Deputy Sheriff, is a law-and-order type, but there is no doubt in my mind that he would have considered this matter fairly. He's had the opportunity on many occasions to send me away for life over unpaid parking tickets, but had mercy.

His successor, Judge Taschner, is a former prosecutor also known as a law-and-order type. But what I remember best about her is when she and DA John Morganelli were being assailed for not filing more charges in a domestic abuse case. "I'm a prosecutor, not a persecutor," she quietly told me.

She has also had the opportunity to send me away for life over unpaid parking tickets. They're pretty hard to get in Palmer Township, but I managed to do it..

"Next time I see you, it's the electric chair," she warned me.

I hope that she meant next time she sees me as a Defendant.  I'll be at the preliminary hearing, currently scheduled for August 13 at 1:30 pm.

I plan to arrive early in case Chief Trachta and arresting Officer Dan Troxell are planning any more perp walks.

I'll bring a tooth brush and rubber underwear, just in case.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

If this case is a conflict for some reason that would make the majority of cases he hears a conflict. This is ridiculous.

Anonymous said...

Is there a possibility for a conflict of interest between DM Taschner and atty. Astek? Didn't atty. Taschner work with or for atty. Astek at some time?
Since atty. Astek is representing the defendants that may present a conflict of interest. It is something that should be checked if accurate.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"If this case is a conflict for some reason that would make the majority of cases he hears a conflict. This is ridiculous."

If this case involved the usual sort of crime, there would be no conflict. But this case involves a prosecution brought for criticizing the police chief. Since both Trachta and the judge are on the same building,things cold get dicey if he finds against him, especially with that ego maniac.

Anonymous said...

Bernie wrong choice of words never never say rubbbbbbbbbbbers around deputy dogg he starts frosting around the lips.then his hands get slippery making his gun squirt.then he drops his pistol causing it to wink wink go off shooting him self in his foot forcing him to collect comp.move in chief's man cave,make chief dreams come true,chief executive order's to deputy dogg take the position.calls mayor and council for party at man cave gets new photo of deputy dogg up on wall of shame you go you deputy dogg you.

Bernie O'Hare said...

3:26, It is Asteak, not Astek. I am unaware that Judge Taschner ever worked for Gary, although they were at one time fellow PDs. I know Judge Taschner spent several years as a FT prosecutor before running for district judge,and during that time, she and Gray tried cases AGAINST each other. If there was an employer-employee relationship, I think it is so long ago as to be inconsequential. But it is certainly a point that can be raised by the prosecution.

Anonymous said...

Deputy dogg we really do like you,we,bust your balls ,we do have respect for you and the chief.ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ho my god you bought it.your like one of those fish.what do they call it.oh yeah suckerrrrrr .no just kidding.oh my god you bought it again.I need help with digging a new out house will you dig hole for me.just joking,if you dug the hole it would it be full of crap with you in it.oh my god you fell for it again you deputy dogg you

Anonymous said...

J. Taschner was on the Public defender Staff while Gary Asteak was on the Public Defenders Staff. That isn't a conflict of Interest.
Actually, Capibianco should have heard this case. Because you know someone isn't a conflict of interest.

Bernie O'Hare said...

10:04, It is not a conflict of interest. I think I explained it would make things difficult in the small building where Judge Cap is employed. But he's there to make the call, not to be anyone's buddy. I would have stayed on, but thankfully, I'm no judge. I don't fault him for wanting out, as it is a personal decision that he should make, not us.

Anonymous said...

Who is this deputy dogg

Anonymous said...

I think it is the chief's pet but who ever it is ❓must be some turd. Just pray it doesn't know how to breed.

Anonymous said...

Hope the check stealers and druggies get real cocky. they have a history of disrespect for the law. This will make them feel invulnerable. The one that is the bigmouth will probably sink his own case.

Good luck to our police department and the fine officers who put their lives on the the line everyday.

Thank you.

Bernie O'Hare said...

I have no idea what 9:44 is talking about. It could be directed at Judge Capobianco, the commenter at 9:01 or even me.

Bernie O'Hare said...

2:15 comes courtesy of Tricia Mezzacappa, against whom I have a $67,140 judgment. It is not her police department bc she does not live in Nazareth. She refers to these people as check stealers and druggies though none have ever been arrested for possession or delivery of any controlled substance, and one has no criminal record at all. These three defendants do something that Tricia does not - work.

Anonymous said...

I can't beleive the amount of money being spent or wasted trying to prosecute nonsense. A $50.00 fine should have been issued but the legal system in PA is insane.

Peter J.Cochran said...

If I were the entity of the Nazareth Police, I would withdraw and have the Boro notify liability carrier to attempt settlement early. Then move on with the idea that they will look at bigger issues than stickers.Police are representative of community and citizens that in effect commission then . I also see no conflict with J. Taschner/Gary Asteak -they all know the rules of procedure,and it will be followed in her court. I have witnessed her personally, she does not play games.

Anonymous said...

Enough with all this wasting of taxpayer dollars. The police arrested these perps and they admitted their guilt. So lets stop the games and get them to the judge. They are not heroes but criminals.

Fine them $500 each and one hundred hours of community service.
They can then learn what it means to clean up after people who deface property.

Bernie O'Hare said...

These defendants have three of the best criminal defense lawyers representing them pro bono. They've filed no poverty petitions like you did, seeking to have taxpayers foot their bills. And they'll show up for their hearing, too, which is more than you can say, Tricia.

Anonymous said...

Lets not get crazy here. Not everyone who thinks these guys deserve to be punished for their crimes is that Mezzaloony woman. Most residents do not appreciate people who deface city property for a joke then cry free speech.

The DM should fine them and the idea of community service for these type of guys sounds good.

The police are not the bad guys here, the guys who broke the law and acted poorly are the bad guys.

A decent fine and some service, like a clean up weekend, may make them think about their life choices. Most of us respect the law and are not fans of those who abuse them to get their jollies.

Bernie O'Hare said...

The Nazareth police, particularly its Chief, did not respect the most basic law of all - our Constitution. If anyone should pay a fine, he should.

Anonymous said...

Break the law, pay the price. They broke the law by defacing property. they should pay the penalty for their criminal behavior and learn a lesson.

You having a grudge against the police chief and a couple officers, is irrelevant.

Bernie O'Hare said...

I agree. The Chief broke the law himself, and is paying the price.

Anonymous said...

Let's vote council and mayor out .With a partitions.Its time for change.they think that,this is a lifetime job we say your fired ❗ Can't trust you any more ❗ the chief executive orders to you is sit down,shut up,cover your eyes.I'm in charge 👮any questions no no no no sir.Did I say open your mouth shut up.now is their any questions❓Didn't think so ⁉