Local Government TV

Wednesday, February 05, 2020

DA Files Summary Charges Washington Tp Police Chief For Failure To Notify Homeowner of Accident

Scott Miller
Northampton County Detective Paul E. Hulbert has filed two summary citations against Washington Tp Police Chief Scott E. Miller. One is for driving at an unsafe speed and the other for failing to notify police of an accident resulting in damage. They were filed after an investigation into a one-vehicle crash on January 6 at Michael Drosnock's home along Kessersville Rd in Plainfield Township.

During a news conference yesterday announcing these charges, District Attorney Terry Houck said he began an investigation after receiving several anonymous calls as well as media inquiries.

This investigation reveals that on January 5, Chief Miller and his girlfriend were at Big Woody's for about eight hours. His credit card receipts show that he paid for both food and alcohol. Because there is no video surveillance at the restaurant, there is no way to confirm exactly how much Miller drank. A bartender was interviewed, but was unable to recall much because it was a football night and the place was busy.

Miller left between 11:30 pm and midnight, driving a 2008 white Nissan Titan. At that time, it was snowing. This is about 10 minutes from the accident scene.

Miller denied any damage
According to DA Houck, the damage at Drosnock's home was extensive. He believes Miller either rolled or came close to rolling his truck. His truck was totaled. Damages to the truck included the following: driver and passenger side front fender and hood; dented and broken headlights; paint scraped off; driver and passenger side mirrors gone; driver and passenger side door;  grill missing; entire passenger side dented and punctured through the body panel; passenger side bed dented and torn from cab to rear wheel; rear wheel broken; rear window blown out, etc.

Miller called Lane's Towing around 12:16 am, and remained at the accident site for about an hour, when Slate Belt Regional Police (SBRP) arrived. They were called to the scene by Lane Towing, not by Miller. Lane was unable to extract Miller's truck and called for a bigger tow. The towing company decided on its own to call police at around 1:15 am. Chief Miller never contacted police.

Two police officers, SGT Andrew Daly and Officer Joshua Lowe, responded. They have less than three years's seniority, and Houck believes this may have been Daly's first call as a supervisor.

When they arrived, Miller had wintergreen chew or dip in his mouth. One of the officers was still able to detect the odor of alcohol on Miller's breath. He made this observation twice. Both officers also noted slurred or "mush-mouthed" speech, but this dissipated over time.

Miller denied he had been drinking on two occasions. He even denied it after being asked if he was sure. Amazingly, Miller also denied there was any damage. Miller was asked where he had been, and never said he had been at Big Woody's. He first said he was headed north, and then said he came from Forks.

Both officers were wearing body cameras. They determined the accident was reportable because the vehicle needed to be towed from the scene. 

There was also significant damage to Drosnock's property. In addition to a hole in his front yard caused by Miller's truck, there were broken house shingles, the pellet stove pipe was bent and moved, 6' tall trees were sheared, a cast iron pump with stone planters was damaged.

According to SPRP policy, body cameras must remain activated when responding to calls. But several times, both officers turned off the audio portion. This happened when they were with or around Miller. But when the audio was on, one officer could be heard saying he smelled alcohol, while the other officer said he did not. Both noticed the slurred speech.

Miller never staggered or fell. According to officers, he did not appear to be incoherent. The area was covered by snow, slippery and hilly. They conducted no field sobriety tests because it was too slippery. Houck notes that officers could have performed a HGN or VGN (horizontal gaze test), but failed to do so. Officers also failed to administer a portable breath test (PBT). They failed to ask follow-up questions to determine if Miller was capable of driving safely. Officers failed to issue any summary citations, even though the accident report indicates Miller was driving too fast for conditions and there were indications he had been drinking. Houck indicated a PBT should have been administered.

Officers called LT Jonathon Hoadley as well as Pennsylvania State Police (PSP). At that time, PSP were responding to a highway accident and advised there would be a wait. So SBRP decided to handle the matter.

When officers left the scene, neither they nor Miller left an accident notification with Mr. Drosnock, the homeowner, who was asleep in his bed at the time. Drosnock would eventually learn what had happened when he woke up.

Houck ruled out a DUI charge. "The passage of time and loss of potential evidence, if it existed at all, prevented us from establishing a factual basis or probable cause to charge Mr. Miller with this offense," he concluded. "Could things have been done differently? Yes." But he lacked sufficient evidence to bring a prosecution based on the investigation done by SBRP. The passage of time prevents him from getting that evidence now.

Houck notes that, at least while the body cam audio was on, Miler's status as a Police Chief in an adjoining municipality was never discussed.

Q: Why is it that no effort was made whatsoever to contact the homeowner? There could be a fire going on. There could be noxious fumes from the pellet stove.

A. That's a question you'd have to ask them. ... [T]hey said they thought the house was vacant, but I know at the scene, at least one of the officers said he believed there were occupants in the home because he said he saw curtains."

Q. All he would have to do is look in the garage and he would see a car and a truck parked there.

A. Yeah, that's a question you'd have to ask them. They should have. There's no question about it.

Q. Had there been a fire, he'd [Mr. Drosnock] be dead. Today. ... Why wouldn't any action be taken against the SBRP officers who left the scene without making any effort whatsoever to contact the homeowner?

A. Well I don't know that there won't be any action taken. That's an internal disciplinary thing, but there's nothing there that indicated they committed a crime.

Q. What about recklessly endangering the life of another?

A. I don't think what they did was reckless endangering. I don't think they knew at the time that ... they thought at the time that the house was hit in any way.

Houck would go on to say that the police response to this accident was "inadequate." He said the department needs better training.

Q. You would agree that when anybody hits a home, and police are on the scene, they really should make an effort to find out if anybody's inside?

A. Well, that's the police's job, Bernie. ... In situations like that, your investigation should be exhaustive. You shouldn't make assumptions. That gets people killed. That gets police killed.

LT (now Acting Chief) Hoadley told WFMZ-TV69 that there was an internal investigation, and no action was taken against the officers.

Clearly, this was a cover-up. What these officers did, and more importantly, what they failed to do, disgraced an otherwise honorable profession. I understand the desire to help a brother police officer. That should never extend to shielding him from his crimes, especially when this could easily have resulted in someone's death. 

My previous stories:

Washington Tp Police Chief Rolls Truck ... and Leaves Scene

Washington Police Chief Who Hit Home Failed To Notify Owner

DA Opens Investigation Into Police Chief's Crash

144 comments:

  1. "When they arrived, Miller had wintergreen chew or dip in his mouth. One of the officers was still able to detect the odor of alcohol on Miller's breath. He made this observation twice. Both officers also noted slurred or "mush-mouthed" speech, but this dissipated over time."

    For future reference when in Northampton County you can not be pulled from your vehicle if you exhibit any of the above? Question why do they refer to Woody's as a restaurant? It's a sports bar. I would appreciate the D.A. answer, I'm sure he's monitoring the response in here.

    Also for consideration, anyone who has been arrested for DUI by these officers under similar circumstances should have their arrest record cleared . Because they surely (according to the D.A.) they overstepped their authority.

    This is a piss poor way to start your term as D.A.. I am regretting my vote .

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  2. Miller should be fired. Seriously, how can he not be.

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  3. Some fine mentors appointed with the public trust. Low life scumbags in uniforms. When is Gwozdz hearing? Thursday February 6 ?. Another POS

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  4. Question: Wouldn't the bar tab /credit card receipt have an itemization of at least the number of drinks, if not also the type?

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  5. You were right on Bernie and where all the douche bags friends that came on here defending the wife beater drunk now? They have every right to demote him and hire a real Chief of Police or just bag the whole department and go with PSP. Rid the Township of wife beaters and a drunk. 2 time DUI police chief and wife beater. What a time bomb and the community is in danger with this clown in charge. He is cocky and is saying the Township is not gonna do anything to him. That's BS he needs to go.

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  6. Maybe dirtbag Miller can tell us about his living the dream? He is going around like he is a victim and people are after him. This man is mentally ill and needs to be without a badge and gun. What a tool. Miller and Gwozdz are two sociopaths.

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  7. "That's a question you'd have to ask them." No, that's a question(s) you as DA should have asked them.

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  8. So this what the taxpayers get for 700 thousand a year? If the Supervisors do nothing they need to resign as well. Are our families and children safe with Miller and Gwozdz protecting us? The community needs protection from these cops. They have no integrity and have no public trust.

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  9. A communities top law enforcement officer with 2 DUI's and a wife beater and his wife beater Gwodz buddy in the same department.

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  10. Did Gwozdz bring the Hawaiian shirts back for the whole department and Two.
    Supervisors? Asking for a friend.

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  11. Gew Mr. O'Hare both Miller and Gwozdz said no one reads your blog. Your story within hours for more questions then what time is the Bangor national event Halloween. So douchebags Miller's and Gwozdz.... How do you like him now? This blog gets 10k hits a day. From Hawaii and mounting the battleship Missouri to drunken circus ride home after a long night of boozing this saga has it all. A drunk/wife abuser and his sidekick Gwozdz-awol dishonorably discharged wife beater derelict marine. Patrolman stolen valor bragging about how Marine Corp career he should be locked up for those lies. Ask his wife's and friends. Total human garbage!

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  12. Livin' the Dream by Scott Miller. Putting in the time in the bar stool to drive home like a cowboy. What a Coward calls the married GF for a tow oops wrong tow truck driver. Well he didn't kill that family nor burned down the house and no woman got abused or hit and assaulted. Livin' the dream. If PSP would have came there this would have ended different. So now SBRPD turns the microphones on and off. Everyone sees right thru these clowns.

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  13. It's over..he can pay his tickets and move on or hire a decent attorney and win.

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  14. Bernie, great work putting this situation on the burner, and keeping it there.

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  15. He got off! Hit and run of an occupied building is a 3rd degree misdemeanor, not a ticket.

    Cover-up continues!


    https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=75&div=0&chpt=37&sctn=43&subsctn=0&mobile_choice=suppress

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  16. SBRPD let a dangerous drunk off the hook to potentially kill somebody. I pray when the chief does kill somebody in another drunken joyride, it's not a member of my family. Karma dictates it should be one of their families. They failed me and their families. They should be charged. The new DA is a hack who utterly failed at his first test. Voters made a terrible mistake. Terry enables connected drunks. That will forever be his legacy. What a steaming mess. Ther will be more of this.

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  17. "Bernie, great work putting this situation on the burner, and keeping it there."

    Thanks, MM.

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  18. COVER UP, COVER UP, COVER UP! IN A SPORTS BAR FOR 8 HOURS- CHECK THE RECEIPTS! What an embarrassment by The DA's office and Slate Belt Regional Police! After watching his press conference, I have to say, I regret my vote for Terry Houck. I couldn't be more disappointed- he's is no John Morganelli.

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  19. 5:17, I definitely would have charged the M3 in addition to the summary. This is not to be a hard ass, but simply bc Drosnock could have died. But Houck probably charged what he knew for sure would result in a conviction.

    Also, the police on scene should definitely have been disciplined. I understand they are inexperienced, and I would not fire them, but some sort of discipline is warranted.

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  20. So Slate Belt Regional Police officers turn off their body cams- how convenient! They don't make a concerted effort to notify the homeowner, who could've been dead from noxious fumes- how ignorant! These 2 officers shouldn't wear a badge- total incompetence! Terry Houck, you wanted this job, now do it!

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  21. This is an obvious cover-up and a blight on good law enforcement officers everywhere. Sad day in Pennsylvania Justice history.

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  22. The next Washington Twsp. Supervisors meeting is next Wed. Feb. 12th @ 7 pm. and I implore all twsp. residents attend and demand they purge this once proud dept. of Miller & Gwozdz. Enough is enough!

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  23. My God, this stinks to high heaven! It's a toss-up of who is more responsible for this debacle: Miller, Slate Belt Regional, or Terry Houck. After Houck's 1st test as DA, me and a lot of other people, have voters remorse. What a disappointment!

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  24. Portland Mason Lodge 311 must be so proud and honored to have these two wife beating drunks among the breatheren. When you lay in the gutter you get up with the dirt all over you. This Mason Lodg 311 should be. Closed for having such deleretic and pathetic human waste as members Scott Miller and Mark Gwozdz.

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  25. How is 1 a sergeant with under 3 yrs experience?

    What couldthat conversation with acting chief hoadley have been? Gee, what do we do?

    We sure he's fit to lead?

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  26. reply to 7:13
    Because Slate Belt Regional is a mess! Always has been, always will be. They never could keep officers!

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  27. What is sad is when it was Laurito, Aversano and Cotturo as former Chiefs Washington Township Police was the most looked up to, responsible and most respected police departments. Miller and Gwozdz have brought shame and loss of area wide trust and no integrity here. The Townahipy Supervisors need to Lance this puss filled agency of the ooze called Gwozdz and Miller. A two time DUI wife beater named Miller should not be here and the dishonorably discharged stolen valor marine and wife abuser/beater Gwozdz also needs to go down the road. Disband and bring in the State Police. Washington Twp PD is the new Upper Mt. Bethel!

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  28. What amount of time warrants an experienced police officer? Personally if an officer isn't considered experienced after 3 years I'm not sure they'll ever be capable of doing their job. The SBRP is an embarrassment right alongside the Washington Township PD. Who is above the DA? I want to contact whatever agency that would be because this situation cannot just go away. And Miller...if you're on here reading the posts...I've heard that you are laughing about this whole situation and are positive that the township won't do anything about it. To that I say...see you next Wednesday. Let's see if you're laughing then when you're looking at a filled to capacity meeting room. As a township resident, i want your resignation.

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  29. This is the Township leadership of it's Police department? A real background investigation would have these two goofs working at a mall. Ask the Township Supervisor why is this acceptable? How do you allow the community and Township to be placed in danger. What's next? Men that are drunks and wife abusers/beaters are not the men that should be in these positions of integrity.

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  30. This is the exact reason why people do not and should not trust the police. If this was an average citizen, there would not be a doubt that there would have been a breathalyzer or at the minimum, a police report initially filed.

    And the fact that the slate belt police said that they reviewed this internally and did not find anything, yet the DA acknowledges that the body cams sound was turned off numerous times is baffling

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  31. 100% correct a failed background check would show Miller has mental and anger management issues. With Gwozdz his military service record sets off a red flag and having 3 wives should have been a give away of mental illness. These are two very suck men with serious hidden issues. If the Township does not take drastic action something worse will happen

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  32. Please show the DA the section about an occupied building. What a cover up scan all the way to the top. I can see the DUI not being charged but the M3 Occupied building is a given. Terry Houck you failed this county already with this. Let's see how he let's Gwodz off next on the wife beater charge. Stay tuned.

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  33. JM would be having a meeting with the Township Board of Supervisors. These men would not be in a uniform if Morganelli was still our DA. He would protect and not fail a community by charging the minimum.

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  34. Sad that the elected officials of the communities representing SBRPD would allow an inexperienced man in charge of it's regional Police. This man should be removed and bring in a retired trooper till they find the right man for this leadership position. To be that naive to say no discipline and try and justify the behavior shows why you do not hire a Chief from within. He is covering up for his buddies on the department. Plenty of lack of good leadership, bad judgement and loss of public trust to go around. This all brought to you by a bad rogue cop that should not have a badge and a gun.

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  35. Hrmm your the top law enforcement officer of the County dealing with low life cops breaking the law. M3 or a slap in the wrist traffic ticket. It defines Houcks career now. The incompetence goes all the way to the top.

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  36. So Miller's truck mirrors were both broken. Hmmm...from media pictures and my drive by of where the accident occurred he couldn't have broken both mirrors unless he rolled the truck. I watched the DA's news conference and am disturbed by how little effort was applied by his office to get to the bottom of this. DA Houck, please at least add the offense of M3 Occupied building. Miller could have killed Mr Drosnock that night. Miller was without doubt drunk at the time of the accident. His little accident sobered him up quickly but if a breathalyzer would have been used I'm sure he would have been declared legally drunk. And another thought. I know bus drivers have a different set of rules in regards to a DUI. Does that same rule apply to police? If so I know for a fact that even use of cold medication and/or certain mouthwashes can result in a failed DUI test.

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  37. And let's not forget the accident resulted in the back window breaking as well as an alloy wheel. This was some accident with some serious impact. DA Houck...get an automotive expert's opinion of how impactful this accident truly was. This clown didn't just slide off the road and bump into a house. The house stopped the vehicle from traveling further.

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  38. This once proud township is a mess! You can thank former supervisor David Renaldo, you know, the one who was recently fined by the state for voting for his own company to provide electrical work for the township, for this Scott Miller mess. He pushed the former Chief out the door, and gave his buddy, Scott Miller, a $20K raise, AND a secretary. NOW, if you go into the police dept. office, you deal with his secretary, while he hides in his office. Then the person who beat Dave Renaldo, Stacy Diehl, is charged breaking into the township zoning office, from where her husband was just fired! I can't make this stuff up! The Supervisors need to clean this mess up NOW! I THINK ITS TIME THEY RID THE TAXPAYERS OF THIS MESS OF A POLICE DEPT. WHICH COSTS THE TAXPAYERS ALMOST $1M per year, and negotiate a contract with the State Police.

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  39. At the end of the day if no one got hurt, is it really a crime?

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  40. Lets start with the DA Hock's resignation and go to the FOUR derelict cops. Sadly Miller's actions define the further action of once respected men who got all caught up in brotherhood and cover up of other public officials. My message to DA Houck is if you think that doll left on a desk was used well in the last election? Your days until you see your handling of this will come back in re-reelection in four years Mister so called crime fighter....sure bet on it! So now we let criminal DUI driving wife abusers go with a slap on the wrist. It should have been M3 and there is NO EXCUSE and Terry you know it! You can and should add the M3 occupied structure.

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  41. Terry Houck's grade on his 1st test as DA is an F! He not only failed the citizens of Northampton County, but he embarrassed his office! This stinks so bad, I have to hold my nose! At the least, an M3 should have been added to the charges! What a set of actors: Miller, Hoadley, now you can add Houck to the list! He just insulted every citizen of Northampton County!

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  42. Nothing about this so-called "investigation" makes sense! From the incident to the Houck press conference, nothing adds up. Houck knows it- that's why he was stumbling and bumbling his way through his presser- what an embarrassment! If this is the way he's going to handle the DA's office, are we in for a long 4 years- I want to rescind my vote!

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  43. A message to Terry "crime fighting" Houck, and all 4 officers involved: resign now! You are all either totally incompetent, AND OR corrupt!

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  44. Bernie thank you so much for attending the news conference. This is such a cover up. Your question in regards to the damage to Mr Drosnock's home brought forth the most ridiculous answer that could ever have been said. Apparently this accident caused such a wind velocity that the damage to the home occurred without impact. Seriously! Without your presence this conference would have been very vanilla as the other news media tiptoed as lightly as the DA himself. To think Miller is walking away from this with a couple small citations. Disgusting! Washington Township residents....please attend the Supervisors meeting next Wednesday at 7 pm. I'll see you all there!

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  45. Bernie who do we go to above the DA office? The state needs to look at this!

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  46. 8 hours at a bar. At least he put in a full shift!

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  47. Bull - If that where your or me, the police would have give a sobriety test on the spot. Responding officers did nothing wrong. Bull again - smelled alcohol.

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  48. DA Houck, enjoy your first and last term as the county’s top law enforcement officer. The fact that you refuse to take action against the officers involved with the cover up even after your investigation concluded there was a mishandling of their investigation is UNACCEPTABLE!

    Then it’s further swept under the rug by Hoadley saying the two officers followed protocol?? YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF!

    Hoadley is NOT being truthful, he is sticking up for officers and further blanketing this cover up. Where is your self respect? Where is your honor? This is how you demonstrate your ability to command a department?

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    1. I need a LIKE button right now!

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  49. Houck.... READ YOUR PA VEHICLE CODE! Give John Morganelli a call and he will tel you what to....Who ties Terry Houck's shoes? The DA is a buffoon!

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  50. This public enema was brought to you by a drunk X2 and wife beater X2... and our Chief of Police Scott Miller. Of course do not forget lying about his military service Mark J. Gwozdz another wife beater X3.

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  51. Everyone crying for that M3 charge that would get plead down or tossed at the MDJ level like they always do. LOL As much as everyone here wants a DUI charge, it ain't gonna happen! IT cannot happen a month later, it has to happen at the time of the incident. Speculate all you want but what it is on paper is a car accident in bad weather and at worse his failing to call the police or notify the homeowner who's property he hit.....summary traffic tickets with a fine.

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  52. justice by way of lynch mob based on emotion and political pandering fail once a court gets to hear what the facts are. The North Catasqua cat killer walked away unscathed, too.https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-catasauqau-cat-killing-cop-cleared-20160808-story.html"not right" doesn't mean its criminal. Miller will be vindicated

    I'm a little worried Mr earplugs wasn't awakened or stirred when a 7,000 lb truck drove into his house. maybe he was the inebriated one.

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    1. So you’re not allowed to drink at home? Safely off the roads?

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  53. All involved should be fired for this cover-up and pensions forfitted!

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  54. "This is a piss poor way to start your term as D.A.. I am regretting my vote ."

    Considering the alternative, your vote was well cast. DA Houck, once made aware of the situation, conducted a thorough investigation and brought charges that SBRP should have filed. he condemned the way the investigation was conducted, which basically made it impossible to charge DUI. He did not charge the M3, but I will not quibble over that bc he did charge Miller with failure to report and he should only charge what he can prove beyond a reasonable doubt.

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  55. "I'm a little worried Mr earplugs wasn't awakened or stirred when a 7,000 lb truck drove into his house. maybe he was the inebriated one"

    That's it. Blame the victim.

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  56. let me get this straight. no one came outside, and he didnt ring the doorbell at 1:30 am-2:30 am, but returned the next day, and apologized to the home owner and this is a summary offense? I thought Terry Houck knew what the laws are...guess not.

    Driving at an unsafe speed? Without witnesses? During the ice storm a week ago I made a right turn at 5 mph and slid into a guard rail across the street.

    A big to do about nothing. Terry needs to pull the pacifier out of OHare's mouth, and develop a press credential policy for all future press conferences so accused people aren't smeared and defamed by a disbarred liar who pretends to be a "journalist" but blogs for free in Ron Angle's barn.

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    1. Wow good morning "Chief" Miller. You're a clown. The public has made it's opinions and feelings known about how we feel about you. To paraphrase, we feel unsafe, unprotected and embarrassed by your actions.

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  57. Bernie....the Washington Township residents would like to invite you to our Supervisors Meeting next Wednesday. Strength in numbers!

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  58. Has anyone mentioned Miller's sexual assault investigation about 5 years ago? Another case of "not enough evidence".....

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  59. Bernie Kudo's to you! What they all said.... not rue.. no story.... did not haappen that way... you shined a light on a gut wrenching sore and brought it to light and were 100% correct.... A two thumbs up... As for Miller and Gwozdz? Feel the BERN!



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  60. I would be interested in how the supervisors perceive this issue.

    You have a police force that obviously was derelict in their duty by turning off their the body cams, especially since there was a blatant conflict of interest with the chief of police and especially in which one officer commented on slurred speech and the smell of alcohol.

    You have a Chief, who left the scene of an accident without notifying the home owner and returned to the scene in an unmarked police car to pick up his private belongings. (is it allowable in this department to use police and governmental cars for private business or was he at the site in his official capacity of chief?)

    You have a police department which did not file a police report and only commented on this once this was exposed. The same department conducted an internal investigation and did not find any issues, yet the Northampton County DA outlined numerous issues in his press conference.

    Part of the effectiveness of a police force is the integrity of that force and its officers and this entire event shows the whole department and community in a bad light. If the supervisors do nothing in this situation, than they are as culpable as the force.

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  61. I would like to learn more about the accusation against Miller in regards to a sexual assault about 5 years ago. Where will I find this information?

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  62. 11:14 I agree with you completely that all we, the Washington Township residents, have left is for the Washington Township Supervisors to take action on this. It is time for them to show their authority and power in the township and remove Chief Miller from his position. We need to either reorganize or, better yet, dissolve our police department and opt for PSP protection. I know of an incident that took place on Route 191, (less than a mile from the police station). The response time of the Washington Twp officer was 45 minutes from the time that the 911 call went in. Even if he was positioned at the furthest point in our township, 45 minutes is unacceptable. And please note that he made no mention to the 911 operator that he would be delayed and request that another jurisdiction take the call. We are out here powerless and without proper police protection. It is time as a township to take back our community and make our tax dollars work for us and the township. Currently our tax dollars are being frivolously spent to allow these empowered/untouchable officers out into the field to look the other way and not perform their duties. I am asking that all Washington Township residents show our commitment to a safe, law abiding community. The next Supervisors Meeting is Wednesday, February 12th at 7 pm and will be held at the township building located at 1021 Washington Blvd in Ackermanville. This is an extremely important meeting that requires a large turn out of township residents.

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  63. This sums it all up: “Clearly, this was a cover-up. What these officers did, and more importantly, what they failed to do, disgraced an otherwise honorable profession. I understand the desire to help a brother police officer. That should never extend to shielding him from his crimes, especially when this could easily have resulted in someone's death”

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  64. "I would like to learn more about the accusation against Miller in regards to a sexual assault about 5 years ago. Where will I find this information?"

    From my understanding, it was late 2014 and happened at the former Sands Hotel and Casino.

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  65. Houck being an elected offical should have charged the M3 and let the courts decide would have been better for ALL.

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  66. These men Miller and Gwozdz should be removed from the Washington Township Police PERIOD. ENOUGH of this debauchery! This is sick and twisted and not the normal.

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  67. Well I guess we know that once a cop always a cop. The DA made that clear.

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  68. What an embarrassment for the citizens of both Washington & Plainfield Twsps. Miller & Gwowdz are both reckless, and the "acting" chief, along with the 2 responding officers from Slate Belt Regional are either corrupt, or incompetent.
    To the Washington Twsp. supervisors: Since the police Dept. doesn't provide 24/7 coverage,save the taxpayers a ton of money, and enter an agreement with the PSP. They're a few miles away, and will provide a much better service without the drama.

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  69. He was there drinking for 8 hours. Probably only had one or two. lol totally corrupt. Let him off with a slap on the wrist and a wink of the eye. Pathetic.

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  70. Maybe the "Chief" can tell us about his other DUI.. you know the one where the cops did the right thing in Ocean City, MD? Or about the sex sting at the Sands Casino? Maybe make a night of it and both he and Gwozdz can star in a reality show called... "CAN SHE TAKE A PUNCH" maybe star Honey Boo Boo or the Battleship Missouri as co stars? On another thought maybe Mark Gowozdz can tell us all about his Marine Corps military service and how he was only in the reserves and went AWOL and was tossed out and call that show "Wanna Be"?

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  71. 11:26, I am unaware of any sexual assault charges or allegations.

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  72. What his married girlfriend didn't drive him home? What a charm she must be. Boyfriend drunk and she allowed him to drive. And he is no man either.

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    1. Interesting. Married girlfriend was already filing for divorce from her abusive husband as he is on extra marital affair #2! But hey, we can all speculate right?

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    2. Married mother of children was filing was divorce after her 3 month affair with Miller that started in May long before her husband started seeing someone else per her request to move on .

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  73. Former Supervisor Dave Renaldo loved this jackass, so he and the Washington Twsp. cabal not only pushed the former Chief out the door, but theY gave Miller a $20k raise, plus a secretary! NICE COMPENSATION TO OVERSEE SUCH A SMALL POLICE FORCE, WHICH DOESN'T PROVIDE 24/7 COVERAGE. Most nights, the residents of Washington Twsp. are on their own- time to get rid of this mess and contract with the PSP. They drive through the twsp. anyway to get to the Slate Belt.

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  74. At least Miller is not on his knee's before Dave Renaldo, the ethic's criminal on this one.... He is on his own. What a tool. Ride us of this human trash in uniform.

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  75. Who's women's panties are they in his truck? What a skank.

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  76. LOl... he is known for being a sniff'r and a puncher. He is a very sick individual.

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  77. Women's panties found in his truck? Eww just eww What an animal

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  78. You need to look into the sex assault charges at the Sands Casino in 2014- no "happy ending" there!

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  79. Hrmm... No DUI here folks.... however is Sniffing panties while driving a criminal offense? Asking for a friend. So is wasn't the booze that drove him off the road but the married women's panties found in his truck after the wreck. Any word of whose undies these were? married momma getting divorced or single trash? Bikini or grannies? The Slate Belt deserves answers! The Twp. meeting February 12 at 7 PM.

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  80. Boys in blue are have more criminal tactics than there counter part drug cartels they except payments from as guards. The drink calculator on the credit card billing statement can and should be able to calculate alcohol to weight ratio. There is no legal limit to drive while impaired by mood or mind altering substances!
    All involved are criminals and let it up to judge and jury not the flea bargininginjustice system!

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  81. Bernie How can you say that you will delete personal attacks or off-topic remarks..... oh, I see now.....at YOUR discretion. You also state "If you attack someone personally, I expect you to identify yourself." Yup, I see that happening too! You need to get a REAL job!! Oh wait, you had one and were found to be nothing but a fraud and lost it!! Yup, that is certainly the pot calling the kettle black! What a sad day for REAL journalism!!!!!

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  82. 5:11 PM. NO its a sad day for the Police and community. Bernie is a straight up blogger. I bet your the one that wrote.. oh all wrong and nothing here... Guess what.. ALOT HERE. Resign Miller!

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  83. 5:11 is the disgraced wife beater, DUI, driving Scott Miller- you know, the arrogant POS who returns to the scene of the crime in an unmarked twsp. police car.

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  84. I want to know about them panties found in his truck. Did they have a breathlizer test for accuracy? This man is just a pig not a disrespect for cops but a pig of a man. He is mentally ill and not fit to carry a gun or be in a uniform other then one at Burger King in Wind Gap.

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  85. "The officers determined the accident was reportable." Rocket scientists. What was it that gave it away?

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  86. @5:11 Yes, comments are moderated at Bernie's discretion, because it is his blog. Freedom of speech does not apply. If you don't like it, go somewhere else or pipe down. No one is interested in whining about comments being deleted or not deleted.

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  87. If there was ever an obvious cover-up, it’s here. Do these people really believe we’re that gullible? DA Houck did as much as he could since the entire investigation was botched from the beginning. Neither Miller, or Gwozdz have ANY integrity left and that’s imperative as a Law Enforcement Official. If they want to honor their names, they should just do the right thing and resign, realizing that this profession isn’t for either of them. Perhaps Gwozdz could enter some Ultimate Fighting Challenge matches and try and fight men, his own size, and not women. As for Miler, maybe he should concentrate his efforts on Demolition Derbys. Either way, neither have any credibility as cops anymore. Just as worrisome are the comments made by “Acting Chief” Hoadley and his seemingly rationalization that these Officers did the right thing. Is that really the type of leadership a Police Department needs. It’s very obvious that he’s going to stand up for his men, even when they’re wrong. That’s a complete lack of integrity and he isn’t anywhere near fit to lead a Police Department. He’s probably in the wrong profession too. Maybe he could go to law school and become a Public Defebder because he sure isn’t a cop

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  88. The demo derby suggestion is a good way. I learned today that his truck was in reverse during his little adventure.

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  89. I want to know about this tow owners wife? Is her wrench slinging hubby just dumb?

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  90. Once a cop always a cop.

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  91. Still waiting on BO to find out about the 2 ranking officers fired from SBRPD last year for harrassment and computer crimes against a female in the Dept.

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    Replies
    1. I’ve been waiting for someone to mention this. Funny how all that got swept away so quick. Never even a word about them leaving, retiring, nothing. The public needs to know those circumstances too. Like, did the female Officer get her job because the SBRPD was afraid she’d sue. Who was really the problem, her, or those two officers?

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  92. 1:38, Of course you can dissolve and go to PSP. But you cannot guarantee better coverage. Washington Township right now does provide 24/7/365 coverage (or with very few lapses). PSP at night many times has one car on for Belfast with two troopers. They are primary for areas extending from Williams Township to Upper Mount Bethel Township, and many in between. So to say you will have quicker and better service from them is not necessarily the case at all. Also, they will not respond out at all for "nuisance" complaints nor for local ordinance enforcement as your local police will do.

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  93. Still better than this circus that we're calling a police department. I say go PSP.

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  94. Miller's married girlfriend was on officers body cam video ...why wasn't this posted ? Why wasn't this released ?? And why wasn't she given a field sobriety or breathalyzer???? You know the night she left her kids home alone all day that night .

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    1. *correction the night she left her kids home alone all night .

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    2. Hmmm....sounds like you were there as a witness to all of this. Oh that's right, you know just as much as the next person who spreads rumors. Nothing better to do than small town minds joining in on small town gossip.

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    3. Since when did true FACTS become gossip ?

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    4. Another person who "thinks" they know the facts.
      Kids = (2) 17 y/o who were the only ones home (while the others were away for the night) which were not left home alone "all night"

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    5. 2 17year old boys who were left home alone all night
      Who were expecting her home

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  95. Everyone is ragging on Terry Houck. He is not to blame here. He can't manufacture evidence that should have been collected, PBT, sobriety tests, or completed. He did what he could do. The rest is on Slate Belt cops for not knowing what to do.

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  96. Why is Miller's girlfriend's name being withheld ???? Especially since she was there ?????

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  97. Gee.. PSP or a wife beater town drunk in charge of the police department that is riddled with another abuser, liar Gwozdz and other incompetent cops? This is an easy one.

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  98. The bimbo girlfriend that was their and left her kids alone. what an UNFIT SLOB! Does she know about the other girl he is winking at locally who is also married?

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  99. "Why is Miller's girlfriend's name being withheld ???? Especially since she was there ?????"

    Her name was not released and, even if I knew it, I would not name her under the circumstances I know.

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  100. "Like, did the female Officer get her job because the SBRPD was afraid she’d sue. Who was really the problem, her, or those two officers?"

    Please explain.

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    1. All I know is what I’ve heard. Two Officers (at least one was a supervisor, perhaps even second in command at the time) became “involved” with a female who was either an “intern” or recently employed. As a result of these “relationships,” both of these Officers were either terminated or forced to resign. I’m not sure how much I can say here without having all of the facts because I want to be as accurate as possible. This occurred, maybe, within the last two years.

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  101. Oh, the two women know each other. They use to be friends...one is a multi time tramp the other stepped out for the first time after her tall drink of water didn't work for her anymore. What a shame, multiple families destroyed. Miller sure does make a mess.....

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    Replies
    1. That tall drink of water could do way better then a wife who thinks miller is a catch.....
      I believe he fixes cars, yes 3 generations old, great work, super friendly.....
      I might have to go in for a "tune up"...

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  102. If Hoadley is promoted to permanent Chief, we, the citizens of Plainfield Twsp. are in trouble- he is either incompetent/ corrupt or both. What a cover-up!

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  103. You got it exactly right. Not sure what the other woman does, but must have a pretty low self esteem to go with Miller.

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  104. its disgusting you allow some of these comments. These comments are derogatory, ill-fated and fake news.

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  105. 1 veteran chief/repeat offender has made sbrpd and the new DA look like a bunch of incompetent amatures fools.

    How is the public gonna take you seriously?
    So when his dream livin ends when he kills someone, i say this because he has not stopped after numerous near misses and charges and keeps going. And princess(whichever girlfriend gets offended) these are facts. Repeat offender, its only a matter of time! Leopard doesnt change its spots.

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  106. Anyone watch World News Tonight, this evening? Almost identical circumstances to this story.. However, their district attorney is pissed the police didn’t arrest their own.. Even the interim chief in that case said an arrest should have been made... That police officer was demoted.

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    Replies
    1. I just emailed the online article to myself. Will print and take to next week's Supervisors Meeting. Thank you for sharing this information

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  107. And, while every one is onto the subject, perhaps someone should look into Acting Chief Hoadley’s “extra curricular” activities. You’d be shocked as to what you might find out. Oh, yes, he’s married.

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  108. Besides his "extra curricular" activities, it is apparent that Hoadley IS NOT THE MAN FOR THE JOB- exemplified by the way he corruptly handled the Scott Miller. This incident is one of many shortcomings. He needs to be fired and someone who is competent, from outside, needs to be hired in order to restore integrity to this pathetic police force.

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  109. It just shows the arrogance of this POS to return to the scene of the crime in an unmarked Twsp. police car.

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    Replies
    1. To pick up his stuff and push there home owner to know who he is.....In a Township car? Intimadation

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  110. I wonder how much personal time he takes during his shift for his private matters....taking care to two takes time and coordination. He should be removed from his position, he obviously has not integrity based on his actions.

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  111. Any citizen of Washington Twsp. who wants to end this circus, must attend the next Supervisors Meeting on Wed. February 12th at 7PM located at the Twsp. Municipal Bldg. on Rt. 191

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  112. Make Washington Twsp. safe again!

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    Replies
    1. That's the plan. And that starts with Miller's resignation. I hope to see everyone Wednesday night. We have a civic job to do and there's strength in numbers. Now I'm hearing that the tow truck driver has been told to remain quiet? Dick Lane is at almost every meeting just like me. I don't think he'll remain quiet.

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  113. I moved to the Township back in the late 80's, because it was such a bucolic area with such an incredible administration- supervisors, police, fire personnel that truly cared about the quality of life and the safety of its residents. Our township was always admired for having its "trains running on time" without any drama. Today, I'm truly embarrassed by the "current affairs." Gone are the days of Iggy Klauz, Chiefs Laurito, Aversano, and Cotturo- guys who gave their heart & soul to the township & its residents. Lately, we've had narcissists- supervisors voting on their behalf to secure bids ON TWSP. WORK for their own company- while the other supervisors and our Solicitor "look the other way." Anyone with an ounce of common sense knows this is wrong! Supervisors breaking into offices, debacles in the Zoning office, etc. The actions of our current Chief & Office Gwowdz speak for themselves. Anyone, in their situation, with would an ounce of decency, would resign. The only person in the entire investigation into Scott Miller's "accident" that did the right thing, was Dick Lane- another resident who truly cares about our beautiful township. Shame on our Chief, for his continued reckless behavior, and shame on Slate Belt regional Police, for their incompetence and or cover up. I urge every township resident to attend the next Supervisors Meeting on Wed. Feb 12th @ 7 PM and demand our elected leaders hold our Chief and Officer Gwowdz accountable for their actions- ENOUGH IS ENOUGH- NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW!

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    1. I agree completely with all of what you say. The one small thing was the Supervisor breaking into the office. That occurred because the supervisors and their scatterbrained secretary refused to remove themselves from their high back leather conference chairs to unlock the office so that the zoning officer who they had just fired could hey his car keys and personal items from his office and leave quickly with some dignity. Instead the board and Miss Scatterbrain ignored his requests to unlock his office. The zoning officer's wife at the time was a supervisor and should have been able to unlock the office door and return to their little witch hunt. The zoning officer and his wife did the only thing they could at the time. They were somewhat set up. Oh and by the way....all supervisors have keys. Could it be that she, the only female supervisor was discriminated against by not receiving keys? She was in office 4 months prior to this incident.

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  114. 1:29 This doesn't surprise me- I know how they treated Chief Danny Cotturo towards the end- disgusting. The guy went to work everyday, fighting a debilitating disease and instead of allowing him to retire with dignity, they tried to ruin his life! As far as the Zoning fiasco, I've been to other municipalities when an employment was terminated, and they always allowed the person to collect their personal belongings on the way out the door. I'm sure the former Supervisor, who she beat, had a lot to do with her having no keys. As far as the secretary, she doesn't like fresh air. I've been to the twsp. office several times, and she's an embarrassment- its unfortunate she's the 1st person you encounter when you walk in the door. We deserve better!

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    1. I heard that Renaldo worked diligently to remove Danny Cotturo. I do believe in karma and it sounds like Renaldo already got his for his antics and it seems that Gwodz will be seeing his in April. Now for Miller...

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  115. While Scott Miller has been "living the dream" the residents of Washington Twsp. have been living a nightmare! I wasn't surprised when I heard about Miller's "latest incident." It was only a matter of time. Now, the supervisors have an obligation to the citizens they serve to restore honor & dignity back to our once honorable police dept. by purging it of these 2 individuals!

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  116. Hang in there Scott and Mark you’ll be old news in a day or two, that’s how these blogs work. In the near future it’ll be someone else’s turn in the barrel. At that time these misfits will move onto some other unsuspecting poor soul, in an attempt to make themselves feel better by ridiculing him or her from their keyboards. Stay the course, sail into the storm and you’ll come out the other side unscathed.



    Oh and just like everyone else who writes in the comment section, this is just my opinion.

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    Replies
    1. Yeah, right. Poor little Scotty and Marky. Poor unsuspecting victims. I'm sure they'll be just fine in the end. Lol!

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    2. You're right this will be old news in a day or so. But I'm anticipating the supervisors meeting. I'm hopeful that our township residents will come out in numbers to the meeting. The supervisors have a job to do and our presence will support they're decision. TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS - YOU KNOW WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE HERE. LET'S GO!

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  117. C'mon, Please, I've been to the Washington township meetings and if a handful of the same people show up your lucky. Bernie will be there, I'll bet on it. Lehigh Valley Ramblings will be there perpetuating this epic saga. Move along folks, nothing to see here.

    Chief Miller will pay the fines and move on. Gwowdz will be found "not guilty" at trial. Let's face it if Mezzacrazy can beat the system, enough said …..

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  118. Congratulations to Miller and Gwozdz for being now with NO credibility nor integrity with even disgust of their own peers... These two boneheads are the laugh of every state Trooper with 50 miles let alone the local. No Integrity, No Credibility, No Moral Values. every word coming out of those mouths are lie's from military service to the wife abuse and assaults....Do not think anyone is forgetting this anytime soon

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  119. Hey D he is all yours...enjoy the circus.

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  120. In response to Feb 10 @ 2:07 pm
    Heh T - mind your own business because YOU have skeletons in your own closet! You might want to look at your own marriage before you judge someone else!

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  121. LOL... I certainly wouldn't be doing what you are doing and with who... you try and blame me and not going to happen. I accept who I am.

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You own views are appreciated, especially if they differ from mine. But remember, commenting is a privilege, not a right. I will delete personal attacks or off-topic remarks at my discretion. Comments that play into the tribalism that has consumed this nation will be declined. So will comments alleging voter fraud unless backed up by concrete evidence. If you attack someone personally, I expect you to identify yourself. I will delete criticisms of my comment policy, vulgarities, cut-and-paste jobs from other sources and any suggestion of violence towards anyone. I will also delete sweeping generalizations about mainstream parties or ideologies, i.e. identity politics. My decisions on these matters are made on a case by case basis, and may be affected by my mood that day, my access to the blog at the time the comment was made or other information that isn’t readily apparent.