(The Legal Dream Team, From L to R: Gary Asteak, Phil Lauer and Mark Minotti)
District Attorney John Morganelli has confirmed with The Morning Call that even if Nazareth's feared Sticker gang was sent his way by Magisterial District Judge Jackie Taschner, he would have dismissed the charges. He is a First Amendment purist, and has been as long as I've known him. It goes back 20 years, when Morganelli dismissed trespassing charges against Susie Ravitz and other LEPOCO members who were leafleting Palmer Post Office sidewalks with anti-war materials an tax day. Palmer police were furious at this dismissal, which took courage. Morganelli was taking an important stand, one he has maintained through all his years as a prosecutor.
But it takes even more courage for the guys on the other side of the aisle, the defense lawyers. Look at flamboyant criminal defense lawyer Gary Asteak. He represented Daniel Logothetis, a nice young man whose mother had been told by Police Chief Cupcake Trachta that she couldn't even talk to her own son. Though Daniel works, he could never afford to pay Gary's fee. Gary has a Nazareth office, and accepting this case could mean a few more inspections here and there. It could mean that he'll be accused of running a stop sign or red light in town.
But Gary took the case. He was unfazed when Trachta refused to shake his hand. He slammed Trachta for coaching Troxell out of the judge's earshot. He withstood Trachta's dagger stare. He established that Trachta had conned a person into becoming a victim after charges had already been filed. Most importantly, his cross established that nobody was really sure just who placed those stickers anywhere.
What he did took courage. It may not be the kind that gets you a silver star, but it is the kind that tells us all to stand up to bullies, whether they are in a schoolyard or police department.
Gary's fellow Dream Team members, Mark Minotti and Phil Lauer, were standing at Gary's side. They did not have tazers, guns, handcuffs, radios and bulletproof vests. Their weapon was much more powerful - the Constitution.
After it was all over, you'd think they had just won a million dollar verdict. It was better. They fought the good fight, and won.
It actually made me want to be a lawyer again.
60 comments:
"a million dollar verdict"
A big thank you to the millionaire friend of Bernie who made this all possible.
Thank God people will defend free speech!
This comment, posted anonymously by Tricia Mezzacappa, is more nonsense. She could not tell the truth if her life depended on it, and just fabricates stories that have no basis in fact. She is sick and twisted. While her mother attempts to negotiate a settlement of the defamation claim, Mezzacappa demonstrates that she will continue to defame people. Tell you what. When we sell your home, and that is happening sooner than you think, I'll make sure Ron is invited to bid. Thanks to you, we can now seek punitive damages, att'y fees and a separate judgment against your mother. How lucky she is to have a daughter like you!
Don't forget any money you get will go to Troxell and Schwab after their suit against you.
Unlike you, I tell the truth, but that's a sad consolation for screwing your own mother.
Bernie you know this didn't even have to get this far. Morganelli could have made one phone call and nol pross'd the charges as DA.
He could of called the Trachta and ordered him to withdraw. He did NOTHING. Now he says ....blah blah.... you know damn well he could have killed it with a phone call to "the unprofessional "Judge Judy Taschner"..... Get your head out of Morganelli's rectum......
4:18, Long live free speech only if you like what is eexpressed, eh?
When you start filing criminal complaints against everyone who posts yard sale signs, buy your home signs, and lost dog pamphlets I won't think you are full of shit.
It's best when lawyers stick to lawyering. When they run for office, they ruin things very quickly. Just look at the state legislature and the idiot who opened an office in Nazareth yesterday. Stick to lawyering. Don't run for office and make taxpayers responsible for your failed law career.
For those who take cheap shots at Gary Asteak, Tashner, Minnotti, and Lauer, let it be said these indviduals are the County's finest and reflect the image that we want the whole world to see.
Tashner made a classic statement in "suck it up cupcake". If you were in her courtroom for almost 5 hrs and saw the circus act put on by the Nazareth Police Department you would appreciate that comment. Gary Asteak did more free work as a lawyer representing hundnreds who were unable to hire a lawyer, winning some and losing others. Phil Lauer has been appointed by the Courts to represent the underpriviledged in numerous cases and didn't always get paid. Mark Minnotti, although somewhat younger than Asteak has also given of his time and talents to represent those who couldn't afford an attorney. As for Tashner, she was a public defender for years, a prosecutor for years, and a federal prosecutor before coming to Northampton county. More than qualified to be a Judge and she is a good one.
Now for all of you who want to attack these four, please first state what it is you did to make this Country a better place to live and what background, experience, expertise and education do you have to attack these four individuals. Maybe then we can lend some credibility to your obsurd comments.
Nazareth police handled this case improperly, They deserve the criticism
As long as they're not running for office in order to make new laws that provide their brethren with work, they're alright. It's when lawyers become politicians that everyone gets scalped - except lawyers.
Bernie,
DA Morganelli is god like never forgetting why he chosse the legal profession as a career? This not only stand up for the public best intrest and protect against criminals? This is also to protect against the true ciminals that are acting in there official capacity and twist the law to there personal gain? Be that monatary through campaign donations or just rubbing elbows and making sweet deals to get payback?
Morgannelli is God Like?
redd
patent pendin
MezzaOuttaHerMinda has proudly posted in her fetid Bog a post defending the "purity" of the First Amendment.
My God, what a blind hypocrite.
It's a day that ends in "y." Shouldn't Morganelli be announcing his next run for (fill in the blank) office?
@6:23 Perfect comment! But you're addressing a person who isn't capable of listening to what you are saying.
Sounds from the comment at 12:59, that MezzaTheTruthIsWhatISayItIs's mother is going to go down with the ship, and cling onto that fraudulently conveyed house until it is lost, in addition to all the fees she will incur.
The law is crystal clear on fraudulent conveyances. TM will be "battered" with the truth. If her mother actually thinks that after what her daughter has put Bernie through, he will "settle" with her, she's as crazy as her daughter. This didn't have to happen - it was TM's own defamatory words, which she continues to use this day, that put her in this situation. Listen to the bell, it tolls for Thee.
@4:18 I encourage all to research what a vindictive obsessive bitch you have been towards Bernie O'Hare, and all your other targets, like West Easton Borough, Kelly Gross, Christy Schlottman, Matt Dees, etc etc.
Your record is very clear. Why would anyone believe what you have written here? Or under all your pseudonyms on LVL at the article in question? Are you so twisted that you think you will win a war of words? On your blog, you claim you haven't posted here in 3 years. What are you using for a conscience? For a soul? You're condemned, woman. You're headed straight for the eternal broiler.
Remember these moments when it comes ti.e to vote! Our town council has done nothing to put a stop to CHIEF TRACHTA! It's hammer time people! Vote all current council members O....U.....T....!
I've seen Minotti in action... not fair to Asteak and Lauer to have Minotti grouped with them. Unless we're judging plea bargain skills. Then he might be top dog.
10:19, Her mother's lawyer contacted mine, claiming they want to settle the case. But the daughter continues her attacks here and even on LVL, where I had to flag several comments for deletion. It's obvious TM does not really give a shit, and is subjecting her mother to punitive damages, att'y fees and a separate judgment on the clear fraudulent conveyance. That's fine with me. If she expects any quarter after the kind of nonsense she engages in online, she is sadly mistaken.
10:58, Does it make you feel better to post that kind of false anonymous personal attack? Minotti was superb at both cross and on the law.
I had a job where is some circumstances I had to work with the police to resolve some situations. I noticed that they complained about the lawyers who were effective criminal defense attorneys, but when they got into trouble they would turn to these same attorneys for representation.
I had a job where is some circumstances I had to work with the police to resolve some situations. I noticed that they complained about the lawyers who were effective criminal defense attorneys, but when they got into trouble they would turn to these same attorneys for representation.
I had a job where is some circumstances I had to work with the police to resolve some situations. I noticed that they complained about the lawyers who were effective criminal defense attorneys, but when they got into trouble they would turn to these same attorneys for representation.
As a public employee who is often criticized for doing my job, I'm drawing inspiration from Judge Taschner. Next time someone personally attacks me because of a decision I make as a public employee, I'm just going to suck it cupcake, because she is right we sometimes have to have thick skin in this business. Impressive job by an outstanding magistrate!
Newspaper accounts indicate she reeled in and shut down the Dream Team a couple of times as they tried to introduce testimony about the political nature of the post-arrest treatment. It was probably like refereeing an NBA All Star Game where one ball doesn't seem like enough fun for the all stars. She's tough, but sounds fair and not accepting of any manipulation. Cases like these make Common Pleas judges out of District magistrates. Run, Jackie, run.
She did. She was just as tough on the Dream Team, perhaps tougher, than she was on the Nazareth PD. She was a combination of McFadden, with the no-nonsense approach spiced with little quips, and Koury or Beltrami, who are always prepared. Best magisterial performance I ever saw, and she was tired to boot. She also reminded me a bit of Gay Elwell, whom I miss desperately.
She was that good.
anon 6:23, you notice the comment you referenced has disappeared.
Long Live Free Speech!!!
just not on this blog
anon 2:21 - you are disoriented, which appears to be permanent disorder. This is a blog - freedom of speech does not apply. Why would you expect it to? Are you an idiot, trying to make an issue where there is none as usual, or both?
Open your eyes are read the Terms and Conditions. A mind is only a good thing if it is used.
@2:21 Everyone here knows who posts as 4:18 in the morning - you. Since it is you, everyone here also wouldn't be surprised that you broke the rules, because you do regularly.
Bernie leaves a lot of your comments here - the ones that either don't break the TOS or display what a fuc*3d up person you are. I particularly like those, because you are 1 in a million.
So a blog entry dedicated to FREDOM OF SPEEVCH and its defense has conditions that unless you agree with the authors opinions and his rabid followers you do not have the same right extended to you. Sort of like Fox News.
Ok now I get it. I guess I will have to find my own millionaire to get a "million dollar defense team" to help me out.
By the way isn't this interfering with your all day gaming sessions?
"A mind is only a good thing if it is used"
Fortunately you will never have that problem as first you need a mind to even worry about that.
"Her mother's lawyer contacted mine, claiming they want to settle the case."
Bernie, If Tricia's mother really wants to settle the case, it would be very easy. All she has to do is direct her lawyer to send Rick Orloski a certified check for the full amount of the judgment, plus interest. Unless and until that happens, you should hang tough. It is obvious that the mother realizes what a terrible mess her daughter has caused for the Mezzacappa family.
The money will just have to be turned over to officers Schwab and Troxell so what's the rush. Freedom of speech does not extend to repeating rumors that destroys families and calls a person doing their job a murderer.
Easy come easy go. Besides Bernie is happy is his one room.
FT= Fire Trachta
CK= Chief Koch
SC
@2:56 PM, Schwab and Troxell are public officials and would have to prove "actual malice." If they have a case, let them bring it and let them prove it. O'Hare brought his libel case against Mezzacappa and prevailed after going through the judicial process. If you have a problem with that, take it up with now-federal Judge Smith and county Judge Koury.
I don't delete the comments posted anonymously by Mezzacappa, The Blog Mentor and two other trolls bc I fear their message. I delete them bc they violate my standards and frankly, are repetitive and boring hate rants. If I wanted my readers exposed to that, I'd link to their unread hate blogs. The First Amendment has no application here. I'm not the government, thankfully.
Who will be the brave soul that sends a box of FT cupcakes to the Nazareth PD?
"repetitive and boring"
Sort of like the Fire Trachta nonsense over and over again, oh and the cupcake references over and over again.
Yeah, sure you do O'Hare. Your blog is not about discussion, talking and debate; it is about you. What you want, your reality.
Most of the hate comes from you and your poison posse.
As one of the hundreds you have deleted I can say with certainty that anything most of us have posted pales in comparison to the vicious and repetitive hate you allow as long as it supports your views and cause dejure. Also Rosie's family still wants you to leave her alone. You know the thing that got you started on all of this.
Hypocrisy thou has a King
"Most of the hate comes from you and your poison posse."
"Poison posse" is one of Tricia's favorite phrases. So is the word "tyrant" which she uses over and over and over and over again on her sorry excuse for a blog. No "repetitive hate" on WEFP, right Miss Libeler?
One of my Fire Trachta posts generated 8,000 readers in one day. It was 5,400 yesterday. And yes, the blog is about what I want, but my agenda of good government and accountability is backed up with actual facts instead of outright defamation as occurred with Mezzacappa and is apparently happening to her Blog Mentor and WAEB right now, as i warned. They've been reduced to crawling out from under a rock to post an anonymous accusation or another lie, and then slithering away. And when theeir hate is deleted, they complain like ... cupcakes.
Gosh, Mezzacappa is one lonely, miserable, crazy woman. Posting here anonymously, while she continues to pay taxes on a house you will soon own, yet according to WE council minutes, finds time to complain about trivial matters like code inspection violations.
And she has the dishonesty and audacity to deny she posts here. Her posts have several
"giveaways" that let you know it is she. It's like she snips a few inches out of the continuous tape loop, and chooses one or more of a handful of nonsense "concepts". "Poison posse" "judgement" "First Amendment" "child molester" "Jimbo" "disbarred" yada yada yada. Good grief, grow the heck up. How do you stand listening to yourself?
She must post anonymously and lie continuously because she had she lost $67,000 in a libel suit. How many houses can a person lose? Especially someone with no job, a record, and no prospects?
Anon 9:05,
Oh matey, matey matey don't quiot your food stamps to be Sherlock Homes. Not Mezzacrazy just someone who points out the truth you don't read here.
Around the courthouse and government center and in town people regularly refer you guys as Bernie's "poison posse". You are a group of azzkizzers who Bernie allows to post what you want because you spend so much time kissing is sizable kiester.
So keep swinging at those shadows bright eyes. Meanwhile Officers Troxell and Schawb are waiting for O'Hare to get one thing of value to make their lawsuit worthwhile. They will also go before a real judge with real attorneys that will gladly allow Mr. O'Hare to stay comfortably in his one room hovel.
Truth Patrol!
The First Amendment Lives!
does it live here?
"And she has the dishonesty and audacity to deny she posts here."
I saw that. In fact, she claimed to have stopped posting here three years ago. She continued posting her, and under her own and other names, until late last year, when she finally realized she was losing my defamation case against her. Then she began posting anonymously, and under other pseudonyms.
She is just one of several trolls who post here. One is the Blog Mentor, who was just notified by the Sprague law firm tat he is being sued for libel, as he should be. There's Henry Schaadt, who once sent me a picture of a dead Nazi; Rolf Oeler, who threatened to kill President Obama on Election Day; and then there are the usual political trolls like Charles "Don't call me Charlie" Dertinger, Karen Dolan, Jim Fiorentino, etc.
9:18, for example, is Henry Schaadt.
Bernie, just heard your favorite Bethlehem council woman is resigning. True ?
I've heard it, don't know if it is true, and that is why I have not reported it. If Dolan is spreading the rumor, I would not believe it. She changes her mind more often than Brown hires consultants.
His sister steals all the cookies. And then he has the balls to post here and complain. Like anyone voted for him anyway. They all got together over TM's house and tried to devise a plan. The Rev with the funny hair on his upper lip couldn't contain himself every time your name was mentioned. He really wants to love you, Bernie. But the ttruly nasty one was good old BM, and the BM doesn't stand for bowel movement, although it should, but Blog Mentor really went off the deep end. Sometime about you and your buddies,even the ones in prison, touching little boys. Amazing!
The River
The river is Henry Schaadt and is one of the trolls I mentioned. He is now stated there was some sort of conspiracy that was cooked up at Mezzacappa's home that included her, the Blog Mentor, Mario "Fake Rev" Martinez, failed State Rep candidate Ron Shegda and perhaps even Schaadt. Please do provide the details. When did these meetings occur? Were you there? What was the plan? Did you participate? Why are you suddenly deciding to be honest? Amazing that there was a conspiracy to silence one person, but I always thought so.
Hey Bernie, if Dolan does resign should any white males over the age of forty even bother to apply?
It was Dolan in particular who told candidates like Ron Heckman that he is too old, too white and the wrong sex. While the rest don't seem quite as nutty as she, I believe they would select someone along those lines.
Good morning Bernie. Could you tell me. If Troxell gives driving lessons to the blind.My mom wants to learn.The problem is I'm tooooooooo scared to.I need a brave teacher like Troxell or even Trachta even,I figured if they can bring a deaf women in to court .And pass her off as normal hearing.They could rubber stamp her permit PASS and call her. Insurance company.And say trust me she's an excellent driver.I'd go to court on that. Well it won't be long Bernie before you my kids and I will be sitting down for hot cup of coffee,and let us not forget I will be picking,FT CUPCAKES.As a matter of fact I am going to treat those 3 boys too.God bless you and your blog.
FIRE TRACHTA HIRE CHIEF KOCH! Koch was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army. Koch was a Dare officer. Koch was Detective. Koch has been a long time police officer with Nazareth since 1996. Koch was go enough to be acting Chief for over a year and a half! He is in charge of all the department's vehicle maintenance. Koch is the right man for the job and position of POLICE CHIEF! Get rid of Trachta, promote KOCH! He lives in Nazareth Boro, and is a great neighbor and all around guy!
Koch is a nice guy as a person. No one will dispute that. It is doubtful he has strength to lead. He has had plently of opportunity but hasn't shown much.
How could anything show anything when you have a cupcake sitting in your seat. Koch has said a lot to a lot of people about what Trachta has done wrong as police chief. If he stands behind what he says he would do in Trachta's shoes. Every one would be better off. Crime would be down. Pride would be restored to our community.
WE WANT YOUNG PEOPLE RUNNING Bethlehem. WE WANG TH EFUTURE.
To 6:06 I thought my selling,spilling,spelling,was bad. Just kidding,at least you tried.Good for you.
I WANG TH EFUTURE 2.
I delete all comments I know or think come From Oeler
Who ever is making comments about rosies family should let it go.THEY DONT WANT TO BE BOTHERED.She has mental disabilities.Soon she will be suing someone.
Those comments are being made by Tricia Mezzacappa, 817 Ridge St, West Easton. If you want to sue her, you'll have to stand in line.
Also, if you are Rosie's sister, you're something of a jerk yourself who did your innocent sister no favor by saddling her with an incompetent lawyer. I'd argue that you might want to look into whether you have mental disabilities before casting stones at your sister.
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