Press Releases
Man Found Guilty of Statutory Sexual Assault
Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta announces that on October 6, 2026, a jury convicted Jose Andres Torres, 32, of Statutory Sexual Assault, Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, Indecent Assault, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Corruption of Minors.
In March of 2025, the juvenile female victim disclosed to a staff member of Liberty High School that she was experiencing abuse at home. School Resource Officers subsequently responded and conducted an interview with the victim, who reported multiple instances of sexual abuse by Torres occurring from 2016 to 2025.
Northampton County Election Drop Box and Voter Service Pop Up Locations
Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta is informing the public about secure ballot drop box locations and voter services pop-up locations in Northampton County.
The District Attorney has jurisdiction over criminal election law violations such as voter intimidation and coercion, voting and ballot fraud, interference with election officials, and polling place disruption and interference.
Northampton County Investigating Grand Jury Report
Woman Wanted for Conspiracy to Commit Rape of a Child
Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta announces that Tishel Arden, age 29, of Bethlehem, is actively wanted on a warrant of arrest obtained by the City of Bethlehem Police Department for Conspiracy to Commit Rape of a Child and related offenses. The City of Bethlehem Police Department and the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office are actively seeking to locate and arrest Arden.
Freemansburg Shooting Arrest
Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta announces an Attempted Homicide charge against Paul R. Williams, age 61, of Dresher, Pennsylvania, in connection with a shooting in the late afternoon of Friday, August 28, 2026, in Freemansburg Borough.
Shortly after 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, Freemansburg Borough Police Department was dispatched to 431 Clearfield Street on a report of shots fired. The dispatch included a description of the shooter. On arrival, police encountered the adult male victim suffering a gunshot wound to the wrist area.
Man Sentenced to 10-20 Years in State Prison Following 2024 Bethlehem Shooting
Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta announces that on August 10, 2026, Allen Jahmell Grimes, 20, of Bethlehem, was sentenced to a total of 10-20 years in state prison, followed by 5 years of state probation, following a shooting that occurred in February of 2024.
On February 28, 2024, Bethlehem City Police responded to a report of a shooting incident in the 400 block of Cherokee Street. Officers located a male and a female victim at the scene. The female victim sustained a gunshot wound to the neck and was immediately transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Man Sentenced to a Total of 15-40 Years in State Prison
Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta announces that on August 4, 2026, Jose Antonio Ramirez-Duran entered a plea of guilty to Attempted Homicide, Burglary, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Ramirez-Duran was sentenced to 15-40 years in state prison for these convictions.
On June 9, 2024, at approximately 3:10 p.m., Bethlehem City Police responded to a report of an active assault where the victim was stabbed by her ex-husband, who was later identified as Ramirez-Duran. Upon arrival, police located the victim and observed cutting and stab wounds to the victim’s neck, chest, and back. The victim was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Man Arrested After Possessing a Kilogram of Cocaine and Two Illegally Possessed Firearms
Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta announces the arrest of James Aqib Malik Johns in connection with a drug investigation that led to the seizure of a kilogram of cocaine and two illegally possessed firearms.
On July 29, 2026, the Pennsylvania State Police, Easton Police, and the Northampton County Drug Task Force obtained a search warrant for Johns’s residence located at 130 S 12th Street in Easton, in connection with an ongoing drug-related investigation. Troopers detained Johns outside of his residence and located a kilogram of cocaine on his person. The estimated street value of the seized cocaine is approximately $30,000, with the potential to increase if divided and distributed in smaller quantities.
Arrest Made in Wilson Borough Assault Incident
Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta announces the arrest of Jhonathan Geovany Sandoval-Bardales in connection with a stabbing that occurred in Wilson Borough, Northampton County.
At approximately 6:30 am on July 28, 2026, Wilson Borough Police responded to the 1800 block of Fairview Avenue on an initial report of an altercation involving a knife. On arrival, police located two men inside the home. One of the men suffered a laceration to his neck and was in and out of
consciousness. That man was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The other man, later identified as Sandoval-Bardales, was observed to have an injury to his face and was also transported to a local hospital for treatment. A large amount of blood was observed on and near the two men.
Wilson Borough Police Investigate Assault Incident
Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta announces that the Wilson Borough Police are investigating an assault incident occurring in the early morning hours in a residence on Fairview Avenue in Wilson Borough.
At approximately 6:30 am on July 28, 2026, Wilson Borough Police responded to the 1800 block of Fairview Avenue on an initial report of an altercation involving a knife. On arrival, police located two men inside the home. One of the men suffered a laceration to his neck. That man was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The other man was observed to have an injury to his face and was also transported to a local hospital for treatment. A large amount of blood was observed on and near the two men.