Somerset County District Attorney’s Office- DA Tom Leiden

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Bradley Kenneth Lavan sentenced for Child Sexual Abuse crimesToday, Bradley Kenneth Lavan was sentenced to 60 to 120 yea...
05/07/2026

Bradley Kenneth Lavan sentenced for Child Sexual Abuse crimes

Today, Bradley Kenneth Lavan was sentenced to 60 to 120 years in state prison for
committing unthinkable s*xual acts against five precious children, an appropriate
sentence given the seriousness of the crimes. Mr. Lavan was also found to be a s*xually
violent predator, which will require him to register as a s*x offender for the rest of his life
and attend mandatory counseling. The sentence should assure that Mr. Lavan is never
able to prey on innocent children again. Today, justice
was served.

This outcome was made possible by the courage of the child victims who bravely reported
and testified about the abuse, and by their families who supported the victims throughout
the prosecution. We pray for the continued healing of the children and their families.

I extend my deepest gratitude to now-retired Somerset Borough Police Detectives Ruth
Beckner and Angelo Cancelliere for their thorough investigation, to former District
Attorney Molly Metzgar for her steadfastness in confronting every obstacle presented in
the preparation of this case, and to Trial Deputy District Attorney Christina DeMarco-
Breeden for her tireless dedication in prosecuting this case.

This successful prosecution and sentence are the result of the District Attorney’s Office’s
commitment to seeking justice for victims and for protecting the children of Somerset
County. We will continue to work tirelessly to make Somerset County a safe place to live,
work, and raise a family.

Lavan Enters Guilty Plea to ALL ChargesAfter forcing the child victims and their families through a weeks worth of testi...
12/08/2025

Lavan Enters Guilty Plea to ALL Charges

After forcing the child victims and their families through a weeks worth of testimony, Bradley Lavan
entered guilty pleas to every single charge brought against him. He now throws himself at the mercy of the judge for future sentencing and finally finds himself behind bars today.

“It is absolutely shameful that these poor children were forced to relive the horrors of these crimes one more time, when Lavan knew of his guilt,” said District Attorney Molly Metzgar. “Despite that, I am so proud of each and every one of them for their courage to stand up and tell their stories.”

Metzgar added, “I’m also thankful to the jury for their service. I know it certainly can’t be easy to sit through
the graphic details of these horrible rapes and assaults. As hard as it is to serve, our country needs good and responsible people on juries everywhere.”

I’d also like to thank everyone on our team who has worked for months to finally bring the defendant to justice and keep him from hurting any more children.

Tom Leiden, incoming DA and Trial Deputy Christina
Demarco-Breeden spearheaded this trial to make sure every single charge resulted in a conviction.
ADA Leiden added, “This conviction sets the tone that the District Attorney’s Office is ready, willing and able to go to trial to get justice for victims. Case complexity and high-paid out-of-state attorneys are no deterrent in our determination to prosecute these horrific crimes.”

9/19/2025PUBLIC INFORMATION RELEASESomerset Borough Police Department, assisted by PSP and the Somerset County District ...
09/20/2025

9/19/2025
PUBLIC INFORMATION RELEASE

Somerset Borough Police Department, assisted by PSP and the Somerset County District Attorney’s Office is actively investigating a death following the discovery of a body earlier today, near the 700 block of North Center Avenue in Somerset Borough. Identification and cause of death are still pending.
We can assure the community that there is no threat to public safety.
Your safety remains our top priority.

My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the officers who were killed and injured today in York in the line of d...
09/18/2025

My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the officers who were killed and injured today in York in the line of duty. They gave everything to protect us, and now their loved ones face unimaginable pain. Please hold them close in your hearts and honor their sacrifice. We’ll never forget their bravery.

DEATH PENALTY IMPOSED ON PAUL KENDRICKSeveral months ago, my office successfully pursued a death penalty conviction for ...
08/20/2025

DEATH PENALTY IMPOSED ON PAUL KENDRICK

Several months ago, my office successfully pursued a death penalty conviction for Paul Kendrick after the brutal murder of Sergeant Baserman while he was serving a life sentence for another murder. Today was his sentencing. This was my statement to the court asking for that death penalty to be carried out:

On 8/7/2025, a traffic stop was conducted in Somerset Borough by members of the Somerset County Drug Task Force resultin...
08/08/2025

On 8/7/2025, a traffic stop was conducted in Somerset Borough by members of the Somerset County Drug Task Force resulting in the seizure of approximately two ounces of suspected methamphetamine and $183 from Stephanie Kimmel of Somerset, Pennsylvania. The investigation is ongoing and charges are forthcoming.

Had the best time meeting so many amazing kids at Somerset’s Night Out! 🎉 Huge shoutout to the Somerset Borough Police D...
08/06/2025

Had the best time meeting so many amazing kids at Somerset’s Night Out! 🎉 Huge shoutout to the Somerset Borough Police Department for organizing such a fantastic event. Their hard work and dedication truly made the night unforgettable. Grateful to be part of a community that comes together like this! Can’t wait for next year already! 👮

July 8, 2025MEN JAILED AND FENTANYL SEIZED FOLLOWING STING OPERATION AT TURNPIKE PLAZA Earlier today, Somerset County Di...
07/08/2025

July 8, 2025
MEN JAILED AND FENTANYL SEIZED FOLLOWING STING OPERATION AT TURNPIKE PLAZA

Earlier today, Somerset County District Attorney Detectives, the Office of the Attorney General Agent and Somerset County Drug Task Force members conducted a controlled buy at the westbound PA Turnpike Plaza rest stop in Somerset PA.

Investigators allege that they observed a Confidential Informant, with pre-recorded funds, meeting with Ramone Fitzgerald in the rest stop restroom and later return with approximately 6 bricks/300 stamp bags of suspected Fentanyl.

Simultaneous with the alleged transaction with Fitzgerald, investigators allege that they observed Modesto Jacob Rivera-Colon serve as a look-out within the plaza awaiting Fitzgerald, both men then got into a red/orange Kia. Following a stop, a search was conducted and $1,164 was recovered from Rivera-Colon, $900 of which was the pre-recorded funds used to purchase the 6 bricks of Fentanyl in the rest stop.

Both men are facing Felony charges for Conspiracy to Commit Possession with Intent to Deliver Fentanyl and Misdemeanor Aiding Consummation of a Crime. Both Ramone Fitzgerald, 40, of Easton PA, and Modesto Jacob Rivera-Colon, 26, of Schuylkill Haven were lodged in the Somerset County Jail in lieu of $150,000 secured bonds set by MDJ Walker.

“This sting operation serves to send a message that bringing drugs into Somerset County will not be tolerated. I am thankful for our dedicated Detectives, Attorney General Agent and Officers that make these investigations possible,” says DA Molly Metzgar.

JULY 5, 2025FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESomerset Township, PA – An investigation is ongoing for a domestic-related shooting inc...
07/05/2025

JULY 5, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Somerset Township, PA – An investigation is ongoing for a domestic-related shooting incident that
occurred in the early hours of July 5, 2025, in Somerset Township, Somerset County.
At approximately 1:10 a.m., members of Troop A, Somerset Patrol Unit were dispatched to a
residence along Crestview Drive in Somerset Township for a reported domestic disturbance involving gunfire.

Upon arrival and investigation, it was reported that a 24-year-old female and a 24-year-old male had
gone to the residence so the female could retrieve personal belongings. While there an altercation
occurred involving the woman’s ex-boyfriend, a 23-year-old male. During the altercation the 23-year-
old male suspect allegedly opened fire on the victims, striking both.

The 24-year-old male and the 24-year-old female were transported for emergency medical treatment
where they remain hospitalized.

After numerous attempts to hail the 23-year-old male from the house, a search of the residence was
performed and troopers located the 23-year-old male deceased in the basement with apparent
gunshot wounds. The exact circumstances surrounding his death are under active investigation.

“The investigation remains ongoing but there is no threat to public safety,” DA Metzgar.

Had the wonderful opportunity to connect with amazing seniors at the Somerset County Senior Expo, all thanks to the gene...
06/04/2025

Had the wonderful opportunity to connect with amazing seniors at the Somerset County Senior Expo, all thanks to the generosity of Representative Metzgar and Senator Stefano. It’s inspiring to see such a vibrant community coming together to share resources, support, and smiles. Grateful to be part of an event that truly values and uplifts our senior residents. Here’s to more meaningful connections and continued advocacy!

Address

111 E Union Street , Suite 30
Somerset, PA
15501

Opening Hours

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

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