Attorney General Dave Sunday and the Pennsylvania State Police have announced charges against a state trooper, Christopher S. Young, for allegedly trying to dissuade a witness from cooperating in an ongoing investigation. Young, 34, faces felony intimidation of a witness and misdemeanor charges of stalking and loitering or prowling at night.
Young was arraigned on Tuesday and denied bail after being deemed a danger by a district judge. The Pennsylvania State Police have suspended him without pay.
An investigation by the Office of Attorney General and the Pennsylvania State Police revealed that Young had repeatedly contacted a potential witness involved in a child abuse case through calls and text messages. On February 24, Young was found armed with a gun and knife near the witness's residence in Schuylkill County.
“These charges outline disturbing and deliberate attempts to influence witness cooperation in a very serious police matter,” said Attorney General Sunday. “As a sworn officer with an oath to protect the community, the defendant’s alleged behavior will not be tolerated.”
The child abuse investigation remains active. Young has been part of the state police since 2017, assigned to Troop L's Patrol Unit in Hamburg.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Lauren Eichelberger is handling the prosecution. It is important to note that criminal charges are merely allegations at this stage, and all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.