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Thursday, March 14, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

58 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is time to leave this poor young woman alone.

Anonymous said...

When I watched the video, I couldn’t believe that she had her kids sit up at the dais with her. Those kids are nothing more than Props to her. Bernie. Do you think this woman gets elected in Easton ever again??? Or anywhere for that matter. A simple google search will show that she’s a complete mess.

Anonymous said...

Well done, Chief Scalzo! Not only did he take the high road, but he was able to show that of the three (Sultana and BaRATta, the other two), he is the adult. Sultana bringing up Breonna Taylor means that she doesn’t want change, but rather she is seeking vengeance for some perceived wrong. I have absolutely zero respect for Sultana, who is both a user (as evidenced by casting her children as supporting actors in her pity me play) and liar. Sadly, the average voter doesn’t do their homework and liars (here’s to you, BaRATta) sometimes win.

Anonymous said...

It's Christmas

Anonymous said...

Good lord, not to be superficial but, Taiba clearly doesn't suffer food insecurity. Hell, she looks like the woman who ate frank pintabone

Anonymous said...

Her children should be made aware that there are safe places for them. They have to muster the courage to ask a teacher or other trusted adult for help. God bless them and keep them. Being a kid is tough enough without parents like that.

Anonymous said...

I can't think of anything remotely polite or printable to say about the council thing or the discredited da. Well, maybe Felix Unger.

Great job Chief - 10,000 thumbs up!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I've never heard of someone opening a door in such a way that they ended up injuring themself and bleeding all over at a council meeting. Bravo.

Anonymous said...

By the book. Just like I said. Barratta owes those officers an apology!

Bernie O'Hare said...

"136 Pundit" posted a comment with a huge gap at the end. I delete those comments with huge gaps. I will reproduce the comment once, and only once.

"That whole spectacle was nothing but a free campaign ad for their buddy Bobby F.

"Taiba will ultimately triumph. There will be a "Taiba Sultana" St. in Easton named in her honor long before there's a "Sal Panto" St."

Bernie O'Hare said...

"I've never heard of someone opening a door in such a way that they ended up injuring themself and bleeding all over at a council meeting. Bravo."

Thank you. I once saw a guy start bleeding out of his nose while he was speaking at courtesy of the floor. I've seen a lady do a header while walking to her seat.

Anonymous said...

I am pleased to have witnessed the events unfold. The atmosphere at Taiba's home was incredibly peaceful, devoid of any yelling or screaming. It was a family matter that should have been resolved within the family. I find her arrest to be unjustified, with the chief taking advantage of the situation for personal gain.

Taiba displayed remarkable cooperation and composure, contrary to the portrayal of her being "angry" or "crazy" in your blogs. She wept and hugged her children as she was being escorted by the jury chief. The entire situation appears to be a chaotic mess driven by political motives.

The video was shown at the city council public meeting, serving as undeniable evidence of the political nature of the ordeal. What more proof is required to illustrate the political agenda behind it all?

Anonymous said...

Thankful for all police who work and risk their lives to protect us. It is long overdo that they are recognized and supported. Good to see this support.We have to see more to show how awesome police are.

Anonymous said...

For the sake of her children and the city, she needs mental health counseling. She should also resign, but that would be what a person who has a bit of self-respect would do, clearly that is part of her problem.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"By the book. Just like I said. Barratta owes those officers an apology!"

The Chief said he was satisfied bc Baratta later said he would have dismissed the case if he said it was politically inspired, but he clearly was a little off in his initial comments on the record. He also knows better than most that victims in family disputes will often recant their statements and return to an abusive relationship.

Anonymous said...

Whether its political or not, the NORCO Democratic Party "establishment" is doing themselves and everyone else in the country a massive favor by nipping this womans political career in the bud. Loud mouth extremists get headlines, news coverage and name recognition, but accomplish absolutely nothing beyond throwing sand in the gears of actual governing.

Makes me wish other local party types could have done the same years ago with a lot of the spot light hogging dimwits we see in Washington DC and on cable news every night.

Anonymous said...

Glad the video was made public. She was treated with respect throughout the process. Sad that, yes, the abused often reconcile with their abusers only to repeat the cycle. Good line by Pam on the “take your child to work day” - how unprofessional. Also could someone disable the camera on this woman’s phone? Sick of seeing all of the selfies and anyone who poses with her should know better.

Anonymous said...

Come on, Bernie. He “clearly was a little off in his initial comments” ? He retracted everything after Houck called him out on the ARD and after All the comments about this being political. None of it was true and good for the Chief calling him and her out. This guy continues lying. Can’t wait for what he says and does with the Wheeler case. Talk about political involvement. When is the Wheeler case or did Barratta throw that out?

Anonymous said...

She is a terrible human being and shouldnt have kids. Those poor kids that she made sit there last night’s

Anonymous said...

A street named after her… named “headbutt”. So she is a runaway manure tractor doing nothing more than spreading her stench and unhealthy false statements about a well seasoned and educated statesman for the city and PA..sorry Sultana, you did this to yourself.

Anonymous said...

Baratta's statements were injudicious, at best. Chief Scalzo took the high ground, which is the only ground he knows. The DA's underlying signal to county law enforcement agencies is disappointing. EPD has a checkered history over the 50+ years I've observed. Before that, it had a history of corruption, and even a federal takeover. Scalzo's department is as clean and professional as the city has ever had, however. I hope Baratta took note.

Anonymous said...

Following the political maneuvers orchestrated by Chief and Panto, Taiba's campaign received a significant endorsement from the influential grassroots organization, PA Stands Up. This organization has been instrumental in advocating for the abolition of solitary confinement in prisons. It appears that they recognize Taiba as the victim in this tumultuous situation and believe that she has the potential to contribute to the reform of the criminal justice system.

From my perspective, every move seems to be aligning in Taiba's favor.

Anonymous said...

Waiting for the inevitable comments claiming bigotry. I hear that's what folks do when the facts don't back up their narrative.

Anonymous said...

I have yet to see if Taiba has committed any crime. The video shows nothing except Taiba’s innocence. It doesn't show if her son’s statement was truthful. It doesn't show her arrest wasn't politically motivated.
Teenagers call the cops on their parents all the time and lie about things that never happened. There's no proof of Taiba assaulting her children. It sounded like a fabricated story that Chief took advantage of. From the perspective of a parent, I believe she should not have been arrested. From her arrest to playing the footage last night, everything was political.

Anonymous said...

1129. The heads of LHVsU are not happy with the endorsement and will be changing the process going forward. Guaranteed they don’t give any money or support to Sultana

Vladimir Ill-itch said...

Curious as to her next move. Another spin, but what?

At this point, I'm guessing Freeman gets 90% of the vote.

Anonymous said...

"I have yet to see if Taiba has committed any crime."

Perhaps you should ask her/you. Who applied for ARD? Why do that, otherwise?

Anonymous said...

Yep she can contribute after her finds from the inside out, the lady needs serious mental health care. She is a loose cannon. They should really check her for weapons when ever she enters city hall.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the input Taiba.

Care to apologize to the police now or no?

Anonymous said...

The kid had a bloody nose and marks on his body.
His brother went out of his way numerous times to tell the police about other instances of abuse.
It’s clear as day to anyone that’s not a Taiba supporter, that she is a child abuser and has been for years.

Anonymous said...

The victim called the police. The police responded and interviewed all involved. The victim’s story matched up with the evidence presented, including injuries. At that point they are obligated under the law to make the arrest. Calls like this put the police in a tough spot. If you let it go and someone ends up dead then it’s their fault. You make the arrest they’re over reacting. It’s a lose lose for the cop.

Anonymous said...

What a stain on the city of Easton. This shameful political opportunist is nothing more than a "cause dispenser" who spits out the hot button cause de riguer, without offering any real solutions and simply spewing vitriol at anyone who differs form her opinion (remind us of anyone?).

That Taiba hasn't shuttered her campaign after this revelation is telling. She continues to suffer from a staggering lack of self awareness.

After the visible proof of the decorum shown by EPD and the chief here, in his statements, and in the video I truly applaud the department for handling this matter above and beyond expectation.

Councilwoman Sultana's flagrant disregard for what is best for her constituents, egregious behavior (both in this particular matter, and across all of her social "platforms"), her continued actions to demean the quality of the great city of Easton, and her treatment of public servants in the city and beyond... it's time for the remainder of the sitting council to consider beginning the steps for her censure or removal (I'm no expert on the Easton Home Rule Charter, so I'll defer that process much more well versed than I).

Anonymous said...

95%

Anonymous said...

Why would she apologize, in her sick demented mind this is political, and racism against a brown woman… she still thinks she nothing wrong

Anonymous said...

You failed to mention that Sultana’s child abuse case investigation by Children and Youth Services, was closed in October last year, declaring that all allegations were completely unfounded, and so the case was ordered to be expunged. Sultana accepted ARD while pleading not guilty and Judge Dally ruled her arrest was influenced by politics.
How many lies do Chief and Panto have to speak before they are officially called liars?

Anonymous said...

1210. Wouldn't want you on a jury. Why would you defend when injuries were present? The police did what they should have done. I know children make things up but so do murderers and they get their day in court but the police have to arrest them

Anonymous said...

Abusers should never get ARD. This wackjob should step down.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"You failed to mention that Sultana’s child abuse case investigation by Children and Youth Services, was closed in October last year, declaring that all allegations were completely unfounded, and so the case was ordered to be expunged. Sultana accepted ARD while pleading not guilty and Judge Dally ruled her arrest was influenced by politics.
How many lies do Chief and Panto have to speak before they are officially called liars?"


Taiba, I realize you have no regard for the welfare of your children, but the Commonwealth of Pa does. It is for that reason that C&Y investigations and dependency petitions are confidential. Now I do know from your neighbors that C&Y did visit your home shortly after your arrest, and whatever actions were taken by them is supposed to be between you and them. I know the last thing they would want to do is separate a parent from his or her children. But I also believe that your matter was addressed, and no doubt is what led to your counseling prior to ARD. Also Judge Dally never ruled that your arrest was influenced by politics. That is absolutely absurd and either a bold-faced lie or caused by your difficulty understanding English.

Anonymous said...

So you are saying the kid head butted himself in the face and he and his brother were completely lying about this and all the past instances of abuse?

Sounds like you have as big of a problem as Taiba does.

Anonymous said...

"Teenagers call the cops on their parents all the time and lie about things that never happened."

Huh. I raised a bunch, and none ever did. Course, I never slapped them around until they bled, either...

"I have yet to see if Taiba has committed any crime."

ummm...she admitted to it, otherwise there's no ARD

Anonymous said...

Has children….beats them, head butts them till their nose bleed, punches them in stomach, one gets stitches……guilty!!!

Anonymous said...

Taiba Sultana needs to be removed immediately from council based of the proof her allegations were lies. If McClure fails to remove her, then this only proves council is just as corrupt as our federal government.

Anonymous said...

Sultanas 16 yr old was begging to make a statement on her. Watch the video. Those poor kids must hate her

peterjcochran said...

In my humble opinion as a tax payer here is that somebody has to shut up on city council and set down. Some people are way too critical of DA.and just jump in on him like gang members do in a parking garage, and without signing their cowardly names, without knowing things . Our Chief of Police in Easton,Pa is absolutely, most likely beyond any reproach. I’ve never observed him not being of professional demeanor. His staff has been very congenial toward us the pubic , and our cops are are pretty straight laced. I think when Thomas King certified them here they were the 1st agency in Northampton County to be so. I know Tomas King ,he’s all all about integrity. ,Personal integrity is the highest issue a person can have ,not a fancy Rolex,or Cadillac , it’s his demeanor and how he or she acts when then chips are down ,when there is a catastrophe and one has to think on their feet. This determines leadership that is an art form . God night .

Anonymous said...

She ate one of the kids

Anonymous said...

This nutjob is getting way too much attention. It should be made to step down from council. As well as never allowed to seek political positions again.

Anonymous said...

You have to plead guilty to get ARD

Anonymous said...

Hi Bernie, over the past couple of years, you have given Sultana and her equally opportunistic husband the benefit of the doubt regarding their language skills. I’m asking you to stop. They have chosen public roles and with those come a command of the English language. If they struggle to comprehend (as you inferred in your response), then that is on them. That type of “out” only bolsters their claim of prejudice.

Bernie O'Hare said...

" If McClure fails to remove her, then this only proves council is just as corrupt as our federal government."

An elected official can be removed only by the state legislature or upon conviction of an "infamous crime."

Anonymous said...

Bernie

Ask Taiba why she has reached out to Maria Montero (Republican hoping to challenge Wild) many times saying “ us women need to stick together.” Maria obviously never responded to her, but saved the messages I heard. Taiba is a piece of shit. Apparently Wild hates Taiba too

Anonymous said...

1227PM- Or check her for a suicide vest!!!

Anonymous said...

HAHA! She literally did hid behind her kids hahaha! Glad I am not her attorney.

Anonymous said...

I would like to see all police videos especially when there are issues related to police brutality. The community pays for the video camera equipment but the police have the upper hand in providing the video for review. That policy needs to change..

Anonymous said...

Surely her lies and crimes have now become obvious and some kind of “infamous”, so throw her off the council and roll the dice. She is already finished as a statesman type role model.

Anonymous said...

Any words from the “heads” of the largest Latinx organization, Make The Road PA?? Just curious!
She is endorsed by them as well.
Sounds like grassroots organizations are pissed off by the Chief, Panto, and Freeman.

Anonymous said...

Hid behind those kids just like Hamas does

Anonymous said...

Bernie, I glossed over this comment initially but today it hit me in the forehead like a City Hall door and I am figuratively bleeding, reading that the Norco Dems should be congratulated on nipping Sultana in the bud. Who does the writer think encouraged her to get involved in the first place? Who trotted Sultana out at a Democratic State Committee meeting, introducing her to the higher-ups? None other than Munsey himself. He thought he’d found Wonder Woman and now he has to figure out how to make her go away. He’s no hero. His desire for diversity overruled his need to vet this woman at the start. The writer wants more like Munsey? Heaven help us.

Anonymous said...

I would like to start of by saying I'm hispanic and I'm gonna tell you a little story and experience I had with the Easton police last year there was a situation that occurred where 5 girls between ages 20 - 25 one of them being their mother involved as well they assaulted my handicap elderly mother inside my brothers home which Easton police dept in 2024 calls it a "Harrassement" My elderly mother got hit with 2 cell phones in her face causing a laceration on upper left eye she got hit with a broom stick in here stomach causing a big bruise she got whacked in her head with a glass bottle also a broken toe my mother could not walk for days she ended up in hospital due to a concussion. Northampton state troopers were called to the scene to assist upon arrival troopers did not ask if my mom needed medical assistance they did not seem concern at all videos from my brothers home show the lack of compassion, concern for the elderly they were more worried about the 5 young girls that assaulted or should i say Harrassed my mother. My brother was present at the time this happened he was trying to help my poor mother and remove these girls from his property he got charged with harassment in his own home where they just assaulted his mother. No arrest were made. After I had heard what had happened to my mother I drove over to my brothers in Easton and I took matters into my own hands and sent one of the girls to the hospital. I got charged with Assault, Harrassement and damages to property to her cell phone which she broke when she hit my mother with it in her face! They wanted to arrest me though i said i will go but first u have to take the 5 that hit my handicap mother cop did not arrest me because he did not arrest the 5 other girls However we ended up pressing charges to all 5 and waited almost 1 year 1/2 for case to be seen in court with Clown judge Richard Yetter who is very unprofessional, bias as he knew these girls and acted like he did not know them no common sense has anger issues thinks is untouchable he was flirting in the court room with one of the girls mom never in my yrs have I seen this. This man looked like he had been drinking the day before or just had gotten out of bed. My court hearing was for 830 am he went to a viewing for 2 hours we waiting for him instead of rescheduling my court hearing he didnt hear my moms side of the story he said he was not planning to be in the court room pass 4p he had things to do he had the same cop that took complaint report play a role of a DA in his court room these girls where laughing, joking in his court room interpreter had to ask multiple times to keep it down as she could not interpret for my mother girls used there phone they were provoking and mocking me he did not say anything to them but as soon as I stood up and said something I was told to leave the court room. These girls walked away with no cost and fines and funny story My handicap mother got charged with $830 dollars in cost and fines for Harrassement when she was the victim who got sent to the hospital!!!
Now my question is what do you call this discrimination, bias, corruption or political?