Lackawanna County District Attorney's Office

Lackawanna County District Attorney's Office The District Attorney is the chief law enforcement officer in Lackawanna County.

The DA is responsible for investigating and prosecuting criminal offenses, protecting victims, and working in partnership with local, state, and federal law enforcement.

06/10/2026

🚨 Fentanyl Awareness & Overdose Prevention 🚨

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, often found in counterfeit pills and other substances without the user’s knowledge. Even small amounts can be deadly.

đź’ˇ Recognizing the signs of overdose, such as slowed breathing or unresponsiveness, and acting quickly can save a life.

The Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office provides free Narcan kits to help residents respond in an emergency. Having Narcan available gives bystanders a critical opportunity to act while waiting for emergency responders.

Request a kit here: [đź”— in comments].

06/08/2026

You do not need proof to report suspicious activity.
Even small details may help law enforcement assess a situation and prevent potential harm.

If something appears unsafe or unusual, report it: [đź”— in comments].

06/05/2026

June is time to recognize and address the mistreatment of older adults in our community. đź«‚

Elder abuse takes many forms like physical harm, emotional mistreatment, neglect, or financial exploitation. It often goes unnoticed because the signs are subtle. Staying aware is the first step in protecting vulnerable adults.

💰 Financial exploitation is one of the most common forms abuse. It may include unexplained withdrawals, sudden changes to wills or accounts, unpaid bills despite available funds, or pressure from new individuals involved in an older adult’s finances. These patterns can develop gradually, which is why regular check-ins are so important.

⚠️ Emotional or psychological abuse can also be difficult to recognize, but it can have serious effects. It may include intimidation, threats, isolation, humiliation, or controlling behavior. Older adults experiencing this may appear withdrawn, anxious, or fearful, especially around certain individuals. Creating space for open, private conversations can help them feel safe to speak up.

🧠 If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Elder abuse is often subtle, and sometimes people are unsure whether what they are seeing is serious. Document what you observe, avoid direct confrontation if safety is a concern, and report the situation to authorities.

Elder abuse is preventable, but only if it is recognized and reported. If you suspect abuse of an older adult, taking action can help protect them.
Learn more or report concerns: [đź”— in comments].

06/03/2026

🚨 PUBLIC REMINDER – Property Fraud Awareness

The Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office reminds residents to remain vigilant regarding reports of property fraud scams targeting local property owners. Scammers may attempt to impersonate owners using false identification and documentation to initiate fraudulent property transactions.

đź’ˇ Take a moment to protect yourself:
- Review your property records for accuracy
- Ensure your tax mailing address is correct
- Consider property alert notifications if available
- Monitor for any unexpected notices or changes

Early awareness can help prevent fraud before it happens.
đź“Ś Recorder of Deeds Office: [link in comments].

06/01/2026

Internet Safety Month is a reminder that online safety is an important part of everyday life. From social media to email and messaging apps, staying aware of digital risks helps protect your personal information and your identity.

📲 Simple steps like using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious with unknown links can significantly reduce your risk of online threats.

📲 Stay alert, stay informed, and help protect yourself and others online.

🚨The work being done every single day by law enforcement throughout Lackawanna County continues to make a direct impact ...
05/28/2026

🚨The work being done every single day by law enforcement throughout Lackawanna County continues to make a direct impact on the safety of our children, our neighborhoods, and our community.🚨

This week highlighted two investigations carried out by outstanding detectives, investigators, troopers, and police officers working together to protect the citizens of Lackawanna County.

1. 👮‍♂️ CHILD PORNOGRAPHER SENTENCED 18.5 TO 45.5 YEARS:
Following a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), detectives from the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, working alongside the Pennsylvania State Police Northeast Computer Crimes Task Force, launched an extensive child exploitation investigation involving the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.

Through digital forensic analysis, search warrants, and investigative work, detectives uncovered evidence showing the Defendant was viewing, uploading, and actively seeking child sexual abuse material online.

⚖️ RESULT:
Sterling Barnes was sentenced to 18.5 to 45 years in state prison on 45 felony counts involving child sexual abuse material.

2. đźš” PSP TROOP R VICE UNIT NARCOTICS & FI****MS INVESTIGATION:
(See full release and picture below)

Members of the Pennsylvania State Police Troop R Vice Unit, the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office Narcotics Unit, the Scranton Police Street Crimes Unit, and the Scranton Police K9 Unit executed a search warrant in South Scranton following an ongoing narcotics trafficking investigation.

During the operation, investigators seized:
▪️ Approximately 250 grams of suspected methamphetamine
▪️ Approximately 113 grams of co***ne
▪️ Approximately 50 grams of crack co***ne
▪️ Ecstasy pills and Suboxone pills
▪️ Ma*****na and drug paraphernalia
▪️ An AR-style 12-gauge firearm

⚖️ RESULT:
A criminal arrest warrant was obtained charging Benjamin Mosely with multiple felony drug offenses.

🗣️ DA BRIAN GALLAGHER
“These investigations represent the type of aggressive, proactive law enforcement work taking place every single day throughout Lackawanna County. Whether it is protecting children from online predators or removing dangerous drugs and illegal fi****ms from our streets, our detectives and law enforcement partners remain committed to prioritizing investigations in our neighborhoods. I want to thank every detective, trooper, police officer, investigator, and prosecutor involved in these cases for their professionalism, dedication, and tireless work on behalf of the citizens of Lackawanna County.”

đź‘Ź THANK YOU
Thank you to the Pennsylvania State Police Troop R Vice Unit, the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office Drug Unit, the Scranton Police Street Crimes Unit, and the Scranton Police K9,
Detective Jack Kane, Detective Sheryl Turner, the Pennsylvania State Police Northeast Computer Crimes Task Force for their continued dedication to public safety.

Every single day, law enforcement throughout Lackawanna County are out there making sure our children are safe and our neighborhoods are protected.

05/27/2026

Gang involvement often begins at a young age, often influenced by peer pressure, a desire for acceptance, or a lack of positive support systems. What may start as social influence can quickly lead to increased risk and exposure to violence.

👉 Early intervention plays a critical role in prevention. Mentorship, structured activities, and community-based programs can provide young people with positive alternatives, guidance, and a sense of belonging in a safe environment.

👉 Parents and community members should remain aware of changes in behavior, such as increased secrecy, sudden shifts in peer groups, or disengagement from school or activities. Maintaining open, consistent communication helps create an environment where young people feel comfortable seeking support.

Recognizing concerns early and taking action can help redirect youth toward safer, more positive paths. Strong community involvement remains one of the most effective tools in preventing gang involvement and protecting our neighborhoods.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by members of our armed forces who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their dedication to protecting others is a lasting example of courage and commitment. 🇺🇸

The Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office honors their service and recognizes the importance of continuing to protect and serve our community in their memory.

05/25/2026

Every child deserves to feel safe, and every family deserves peace of mind. Missing Children’s Day is a reminder that child safety requires awareness, communication, and community involvement.

👉 Children who go missing are often in familiar environments or situations that escalate quickly. Teaching children how to recognize unsafe situations, identify trusted adults, and communicate when something feels wrong can make a critical difference.

✅ Parents and caregivers can help by keeping updated photos, knowing their child’s daily routines, and maintaining open conversations about safety. If you notice concerning behavior or believe a child may be at risk, report it immediately.

Learn more or report a concern: [đź”— in comments].

05/22/2026

The Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office provides free Narcan kits to residents as part of ongoing efforts to prevent opioid overdose deaths in our community.

👉 Narcan (naloxone) is a life-saving medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose when administered in time. We help make this tool more accessible by offering free Narcan kits to residents.

Having Narcan available means a bystander may be able to act in an emergency situation before first responders arrive. Early intervention can make the difference between life and death.

Request a kit at the đź”— in comments.

Address

135 Jefferson Avenue
Scranton, PA
18503

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15709636717

Website

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