Becoming a Bethlehem Cop Is Harder Than Getting into the French Foreign Legion.

For every 100 who apply, the French Foreign Legion accepts only 10-15. But that's a snap compared to becoming a Bethlehem police officer. Bethlehem's budget calls for 170 officers, but at any given point in time, there are only 142-145 officers. So why not hire more? Bethlehem would love to but has very high standards. 

Take one of its most recent recruiting reviews of 110 applications. Of those who applied, only 52 were actually eligible. Of those 52, only 18 could pass the physical. Of those 18, only 8 made it through the written exam. Of those 8, only 1 passed the polygraph. 

$500,000 Bail Set For Bethlehem Cop Accused of Seducing 14 YO Girl and Taking Upskirt Photo of Middle School Student

Bethlehem police officer Costas Alestas is behind bars. After his arrest yesterday for numerous alleged sexual encounters with a 14 yo East Hills Middle School girl, as well as an upskirt video he shot of another female student, he was preliminarily arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Vivian Zumas. She set bail at $500,000, and Alestas is now off the street.

The criminal complaint, including a very detailed affidavit of probable cause, can be seen below. It is actually somewhat shocking to read. NorCo DA Steve Baratta announced the charges yesterday at a news conference inside Bethlehem's City Hall. I unfortunately was unavailable. 

Yesterday, I received an anonymous comment hurling some serious accusations against other Bethlehem police officers. If you'd like me to publish them, you are going to have to tell me who you are and the basis for your invective. Most cops are decent and honorable people. Unfortunately, an incident like this tarnishes them all. 

Alestas Criminal Complaint by bernieohareiii on Scribd