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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Prominent Area Attorney Stan Margle Charged With Possession of Controlled Substances and Drug Paraphernalia


Stan Margle, age 67, a prominent Easton area attorney, has been charged with possession of both controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.  These are misdemeanor charges and were lodged on Tuesday by Edward Fox, a detective in the Northampton County DA's office. 

Margle was charged with drug offenses on Tuesday after an appearance in juvenile court. He left without his briefcase. It is unclear to me whether he left the briefcase open, In an attempt to discover the owner's identity, that's when the controlled substance and drug paraphernalia were found.  

In 2019, deputy sheriffs discovered a small glassine envelope that was later determined to be methamphetamine in the well of Courtroom No. 1, near the jury box, following arraignments that day. The only people allowed to sit there are lawyers and an occasional probation officer. 

The drug was destroyed because video was unable to pinpoint anything. 

I believe there are suspects and they consist of every lawyer who was in the well of the court that day, particularly those who were in the jury box. I was even told that some lawyers could name the lawyer who dropped his meth bag.

That lawyer was Stanley Margle. 

On his professional webpage, Margle states that he "concentrates his practice in the areas of Divorce, Domestic Relations, and Real Estate Municipal Law. He has practiced since 1983 representing clients in every aspect of Family Law. Attorney Margle has extensive experience in large asset-high income Divorce cases and complex Custody litigation. Some of the more complex cases have been argued before the Superior Court in Philadelphia.

"Attorney Margle is a member of the Pennsylvania and Northampton County Bar Associations. He was a Council Member of the PA Family Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association from 2001 – 2004. He was also a member of the Board of Governors of the Northampton County Bar from 1989 – 1992. He is admitted to practice before the Federal Courts U.S. Eastern District Supreme Court of the United States. Prior to beginning private practice, Attorney Margle was a Law Clerk to President Judge Alfred T. Williams, Jr., 'President Judge of the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas'."

He lists the following clients: Township of Bethlehem (Assistant Township Solicitor); Wilson Borough (Solicitor); Bangor Borough Authority (Solicitor); The Goddard School of Bethlehem; Selvaggio Enterprises, Inc.; Pallet Express, Inc.; Brown Daub Ford Lincoln Mercury, Inc.; Prologis Development Corp.; Michelman Steel; Muschlitz Excavating, Inc.; Anthony Transportation Group; CMC Development Corporation; Nordel LP; RPM Recycling; Premier Abstract Co., Ltd.; Jay Miller Construction, Inc., and Computer Management and Marketing Associates.

He also claims to represent Northampton County as an assistant county solicitor, but that is untrue. Executive Lamont McClure actually relieved him when he took office in 2018. 

A preliminary hearing has been tentatively scheduled for March 25 before Magisterial District Judge Daniel Corpora. 

In 2024, Margle was involved in a civil forfeiture action after a Range Rover owned by him was seized because it contained drugs. It is unclear how or if that matter has been resolved.  

Margle was a $1,000 campaign contributor to DA Steve Baratta. 

As a first offender, Margle is likely eligible for ARD. 

50 comments:

Anonymous said...

"He lists the following clients: Township of Bethlehem (Assistant Township Solicitor); Wilson Borough (Solicitor); Bangor Borough Authority (Solicitor)" ... this is certainly a new spin on "criminal solicitation."

Anonymous said...

There were only a few ways his sad story was going to end and this might actually be the best possible outcome. I hope he gets the help he so obviously needs.

Anonymous said...

A 67 year old meth head. Gotta hand it to him, he has beaten the odds. I guess cocaine is a natrual perservative.

Anonymous said...

Kiss you clients goodby

Anonymous said...

FYI - Margle HAS NOT been the Assitant Township Solcitor for Bethlehem Township for probably 3+ years.

Anonymous said...

Stan is a phenomenal lawyer and human being who has some obvious issues to be dealt with. Shame people will label him for this rather than the good he has done for so many families. I hope he gets the help that he needs and lives a clean and happy life

Anonymous said...

Could not have been said better

Vladimir Ill-itch said...

According to the Urban Dictionary, "margle" is the sound of cat crying for food.

Back on topic, he should have controlled his substances a little better. He dun messtup.

Anonymous said...

Lauren Bree Sampson was his 35 yrs old live in girlfriend. Popped with drugs in the Range Rover,! Google her

Bernie O'Hare said...

Thanks.

Bernie O'Hare said...

https://northampton.crimewatchpa.com/slatebeltpd/44211/arrests/sampson-lauren-bree-35-780-113-a16-possession-controlled-substance-and-1-additional

Anonymous said...

Bernie will he be disbarred if convicted? I’m assuming yes. 67 is a little long in the tooth for a cocaine addict. Hope he gets help. Probably a functioning addict for years.

Anonymous said...

Guess he can always start a blog!

Anonymous said...

Very good attorney- hope he finds the help he needs!

Anonymous said...

We used to live in a country where a guy who forgot his briefcase (with drugs) at work could just get it back without it being a big deal. What happened to being neighborly?

Anonymous said...

And Stanley is representing her in NC court on 3-4-2025 Courtroom #1

Anonymous said...

The problem is that Stan probably believes he does not have a problem. Also, while he may be a great advocate for his clients, I have been in the courtroom on more than one occasion where he’s been unprofessional.

Anonymous said...

1:43pm- please spare me with your tired, hackneyed talking point. He's a 67yo prominent attorney. Accorning to the article, "Attorney Margle is a member of the Pennsylvania and Northampton County Bar Associations. He was a Council Member of the PA Family Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association from 2001 – 2004. He was also a member of the Board of Governors of the Northampton County Bar from 1989 – 1992. He is admitted to practice before the Federal Courts U.S. Eastern District Supreme Court of the United States. Prior to beginning private practice, Attorney Margle was a Law Clerk to President Judge Alfred T. Williams, Jr., 'President Judge of the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas'."

He lists the following clients: Township of Bethlehem (Assistant Township Solicitor); Wilson Borough (Solicitor); Bangor Borough Authority (Solicitor); The Goddard School of Bethlehem; Selvaggio Enterprises, Inc.; Pallet Express, Inc.; Brown Daub Ford Lincoln Mercury, Inc.; Prologis Development Corp.; Michelman Steel; Muschlitz Excavating, Inc.; Anthony Transportation Group; CMC Development Corporation; Nordel LP; RPM Recycling; Premier Abstract Co., Ltd.; Jay Miller Construction, Inc., and Computer Management and Marketing Associates.

Seriously, doesn't the Northampton County DA's office have bigger problems then a 67yo using a recreational stimulant? He probably couldn't afford prescription Adderall or Ritalin.

The 1980's called. They want your mentality back.

Anonymous said...

I looked up this possible girlfriend and must ask — has she done time? I came across several articles regarding arrests, both in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. The question I want answered is whether she was clean before meeting Sugar Daddy or if it was she who introduced him to the drugs?

Anonymous said...

I was a divorce client of Stan’s for 4 years. As time went on he became very scattered, nodded off during meetings and in court, and missed appointments. I had my suspicions that something was wrong, but could not prove anything specific. I even brought my concerns up to his staff on 3 occasions. His representation was not what a client deserves and cost me time, money and anguish. I guess this confirms my suspicions and solidifies my concerns. I definitely feel cheated out of focused representation and money. I hope he gets the help he needs and that he’s not able to take advantage of clients and practice law under the influence anymore.

Anonymous said...

I'll say it:

A K9 drug-sniffing dog?

...another waste of money and resources for taxpayers in our community.

The TV show "COPS" called. They want you to audition.

Anonymous said...

Having been on the other side of a divorce proceeding, I can attest he's a first class SOB. I'll enjoy the schadenfreude of his fall from grace. I get being an advocate for one's client. But he went way overboard and was vicious and unprofessional. He deserves to be in hell.

Anonymous said...

Hopefully Stan can get straightened out. Addiction is not a choice or a weakness!! May those who cast stones hope one of their loved ones never suffer!!

Anonymous said...

YOU are the problem. Period.

Anonymous said...

Karma is a S.O.B , every dog has their day . He is the biggest piece of Sh!t to ever practice law . Time people with power stop protecting him . He steals cheats lies his way into his clients pockets with one end goal drain them all.

Anonymous said...

Stan is a piece of Sh!t

Bernie O'Hare said...

4:18, I doubt Stanley will be convicted. Like nearly all nonviolent first time offenders charged with misdemeanors, he will almost certainly qualify for ARD. A condition of this program will most likely be that he participate in and complete a rehab program. The state disciplinary board is more than willing to work with attorneys who suffer from substance abuse disorders so long as they admit it and seek help. So I doubt he loses his license.

Bernie O'Hare said...

8:03, I find it very nice that you can rise above a bad experience and wish him well. He was lucky to have you as a client.

Anonymous said...

He should get ARD and be able to practice law. Addiction happens in every walk of life. No one wants to be a drug addict or an alcoholic. One day you wake up and you’re one.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad this finally caught up to him. He failed his clients in custody battles by showing up late, falling asleep during questioning, and being hungover or worse in court. I don't think you get to do that and still be a "nice guy". He broke.a sacred trust, and he deserves the book and more. What a parasite.

Anonymous said...

BO
Aren’t most charges increased in school zones? Isn’t the Juvenile Court in the juvenile detention center , would this be a school zone?

Anonymous said...

He was not my lawyer. He's the slithering reptile who represented my abusive spouse by sending some creep to dig in my trash and follow me and my kids around to soccer games. Don't assume facts not in evidence, counselor. I wouldn't hire him to cut a druggie's coke.

Mike4ro said...

I have never heard him called a phenomenal human before.

Anonymous said...

I SERVED WITH STAN QUITE A FEW YEARS ON WILSON BOROUGH COUNCIL.
YOU WILL NOT FIND A SHARPER PERSON ON GOV'T LAW THAN STAN.
I'M SURE WE ALL SCREW UP IN DIFFERENT WAYS IN LIFE,BUT IT ALL WORKS OUT. HELL FOR THE FALLING ASLEEP AT BOROUGH MEETINGS,YOU WOULD TO IF YOU HAD TO LISTEN TO SOME OF THE COUNCIL AND BORO PEOPLE

Anonymous said...

How is it that many of us are subjected to drug tests in our jobs but lawyers and judges who deal in life and death matters aren’t? I suspect MANY attorneys have addictions that could be impacting their representation of clients.

Anonymous said...

Another news source claims a search warrant was obtained. Who needs to get a search warrant to look for a 'legal document' that has your firm name on it? When lawyers leave files behind, a simple glance at the paperwork will quickly reveal who the attorney is. Why the need to open a cigar case? If you are looking for an elephant, there is no need to open up a tin can. This will get tossed.

Anonymous said...

8:34, Addiction IS a choice. 20 years ago I sustained a serious injury and was prescribed Oxycodone, percocet and other opioids for 3 months. Well, when it ran out, it took almost a week of being physically sick, like puking and going through withdrawals before I was good. It takes strong mental fortitude and commitment to kick the habit. the easy way out is just start doing heroin, etc...so addiction IS a choice...a disease is something you get where you have NO control...

Anonymous said...

8:57pm- The Draconian "war on drugs" is the problem. It should be handled as a medical condition, not a legal problem- unless the offender commits a crime while inebriated.

BTW, I've never taken an illegal drug in my life.

Bernie O'Hare said...

9:29, Given your use of all caps and admission to having been on one of the worst municipal bodies in the LV, your comment is hardly a ringing endorsement.

Bernie O'Hare said...

9:33, I'm unclear on this, but it appears to me that the warrant was obtained for the two bags inside of the satchel that Margle had effectively abandoned at the juvenile center. He has no reasonable expectation of privacy after he leaves it behind and deputies have a duty to examine bags left behind, not just to determine ownership, but because they could be something more nefarious. So I think this will hold up if challenged.

Bernie O'Hare said...

It is not a school zone, but the fact that this was left at a juvenile facility could cloud an application for ARD. Not the smartest thing to do.

Bernie O'Hare said...

B9:40, By definition, an addicted person has no choice. It is not a simple matter of will power. I am addicted to alcohol. I am fortunate that it only cost me my license to practice law and 28 days in a rehab. Most people have to go through several times, depending on the nature of their addiction. Though I no longer drink, I know I clearly have an addictive personality. I can become addicted quite easily to both positive and negative habits, like eating (negative) or exercise (positive). I can say that if I tried a controlled substance and liked it, I would be addicted in no time. That is why alcoholics like me or addicts like Stan should practice complete abstinence from any mood-altering drug. I suffer occasional allergies but have to avoid antihistamines bc even OTC medications will make me cRaZy. Something in me is different than what is in you and it is not will power bc mine is much stronger than I see in most people. I have friends who could drink all night and then function normally the next day. They are not alcoholics. I am. Just one drink is too many and 100,000 is not enough. It goes beyond willpower. I wish Stanley the best. He is a good lawyer when he is clean.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing that story Bernie. Hopefully some people will read it and have a better understanding. Stan's best chance of survival is to get him into an inpatient rehabilitation center immediately. If he does not get the help he needs, his business will close and his career will be over which will be such a sad ending for a good man.

Anonymous said...

There is absolutely no search warrant needed. This bag was deserted in a court house where you have zero expectation of privacy and in fact can be personally searched as well as your items. The bag could have also contained explosives or any number or contraband...which it in fact did. There is zero chance of any evidence suppression here!

Anonymous said...

Spot on. Congratulations on your sobriety Bernie.

Anonymous said...

There is a school in the juvenile detention run by IU-20
Not sure what makes something a school zone though

Anonymous said...

I'm high on life

Anonymous said...

I wonder what would happen if it was a client that brought and left drugs in a juvenile court room?. I would imagine cuffed on the spot . Also this would not be his first ARD stint . Wasn’t he charged with some DUIs . Or did defend himself with money and a corrupt shield ?
Anyone who brings illegal drugs into any court room let alone a juvenile court room should face felony charges and mandatory jail time. I get addiction is a disease, but not an excuse we all battle something but we all should be held accountable in the same ways .
This guy has stole from clients while never informing them of conflict of interests.
The slimiest of slime balls complete leech .

Bernie O'Hare said...

8L03, You would not be cuffed on the spot bc you would not be there. And no, I doubt you would be arrested. I believe most offenses of this type are charged by summons. Also, we are not in the habit of inventing crimes that do not exist. We do not make a misdemeanor a felony just bc you don't like the guy. And no, I do not believe Stan has ever been charged with DUI. He was stopped once and a sample was taken, but it was 0.01% below the threshold. As for your claim that he stole from clients, where is your proof? There is no evidence of any disciplinary action against him and you are accusing him of criminal activity without taking responsibility and identifying yourself. That is bc you are a liar. You can hate the guy, but I have no respect for anonymous cowards like you who spout lies and hide behind "anonymous."

Anonymous said...

Well said Bernie !!!