Issues

PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN

Sean has spent his career seeking justice for child victims of crime.  He served as the Chief of Dauphin County’s Child Abuse Prosecution Unit for over 25 years, prosecuting child abuse, child pornography, and child predator cases.    Sean helped establish the first Child Advocacy Center in Central Pennsylvania, located in Harrisburg.  A Child Advocacy Center enables a more coordinated approach to investigations, which can make the process less traumatic for young victims.  Sean just recently announced the opening of the Cumberland County Child Advocacy Center in Carlisle to bring together professionals within the law enforcement, child protective and victim advocacy services during an investigation involving children.  

FIGHTING FOR VICTIMS 

Sean is a compassionate advocate for victims and their families.  He has spent his career offering victims access to justice both in the courtroom and by advocating for changes in our laws.  

PROTECTING OUR SENIORS

According to the 2020 Census, almost 19 percent of Cumberland County residents are over the age of 65.  As District Attorney Sean has made it a priority to investigate and prosecute crimes against the elderly.

FIGHTING DRUGS AND THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC

As District Attorney, Sean has waged a constant fight against drugs and gangs in our neighborhoods and schools.  He has worked closely with law enforcement throughout Cumberland County to take millions of drugs out of our communities. 

In recent years, law enforcement has noticed a shift from heroin to fentanyl, a synthetic drug that is more potent and deadly than heroin.  According to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, in 2021, 5,438 Pennsylvanians died of reported fentanyl overdose deaths a 6 percent increase from 2020.  In addition to cracking down on dealers and traffickers, Sean has been an advocate for more education, treatment, and behavioral health initiatives to combat the crisis.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING 

Human and sex trafficking is a growing problem in Pennsylvania, which can occur in every community.  Sean created the Cumberland County Human Trafficking Initiative to protect those who are trafficked or exploited sexually and to prosecute and arrest anyone who attempts to victimize others. 

TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENTS

Technology advancements assist law enforcement in solving complex crimes.  Last year, Sean unveiled Cumberland County’s newly improved forensics lab, which allows law enforcement to use advanced technology to investigate and solve crimes.  Cumberland County is one of only five Pennsylvania counties that has its own forensics lab.