Mark Powell

The state Superior Court ruled Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher can refile charges of failing to report abuse against Office of Youth and Family Services staffers, but cannot refile charges of endangering the welfare of children.

Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters withdraws charges against county Children and Youth Services caseworker Gerald Pender because a state appeals court ruled Adams County caseworkers doing their jobs had immunity from prosecution.

District Attorney Mark Powell will fill a Lackawanna County common pleas court judge vacancy while attorney Brian McDonald will fill a vacancy on the common pleas court that serves Columbia and Montour counties. The Senate also confirmed Brian Vennie as the new Pike County sheriff.

If the full Senate agrees, Powell would fill a vacancy created when Judge Julia Munley became a federal judge. The committee also unanimously recommended confirming attorney Anthony McDonald to fill a vacancy on the common pleas court that serves Columbia and Montour counties.

During a press conference Wednesday, Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell recognized a number of law enforcement officers, forensic specialists, and legal teams who worked together on one of the most infamous cold cases in recent memory.