Larry Stoudt Says He Plans to Stay on Nazareth Council

Although he’s facing a criminal charge, longtime Nazareth Councilman Larry Stoudt was at his seat Thursday night on the far left of council’s oval table, giving a report as chairman of the public property committee.

And from what he said after Thursday’s meeting, it sounds like he has no intention of giving up the council post he’s held for more than 30 years.

Asked if he would resign because of a charge of allegedly obstructing a state police investigation, Stoudt blurted out, “no comment."

Asked if he had anything to say to borough residents, Stoudt said the next time he plans to comment is at his formal arraignment in Northampton County Court on Jan. 10.

Stoudt reportedly plans to apply for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program for first-time offenders.

He said he will be getting in touch with his attorney -- possibly tomorrow -- about his legal situation. Online court records list his attorney as Charles R. Osinski of Allentown.

Asked again about future plans, he said, “I plan to stay right here,” meaning on council, where he also serves as vice president.

During Council’s workshop Thursday, the public property committee chairman reported the batting cage at Nazareth Boro-Park suffered more than $1,800 in damage from Hurricane Sandy, while the dog park, which is in back of Boro-Park, suffered more than $2,400 in damage.

He also reported Boro-Park lost more than 20 trees to Sandy. And he asked other council members for comment on a good location for FedEx to place a dropoff box.

Stoudt waived his preliminary hearing Nov. 21 on a charge of criminal attempt – obstruction of law or government. He was charged Oct. 9 with allegedly trying to interfere with a state police undercover investigation.

Regarding his plans to apply for ARD, Assistant District Attorney Connie Nelson said her office would not oppose Stoudt’s application.

At his preliminary hearing, District Judge Jackie Taschner of Palmer Township ordered Stoudt to say out of the borough police station.

According to a criminal complaint, Stoudt allegedly asked Nazareth's police chief to run the driver's license of a suspected liquor enforcement officer in an attempt to protect the local American Legion post from undercover, prying eyes.

The complaint said Stoudt approached police Chief Thomas Trachta with his request at the borough police station May 24, exactly one month after the state police Liquor Enforcement Office executed a search warrant on the Nazareth Jacksonian Club.