Police Chief Demands Nazareth Councilman's Resignation

Nazareth's police chief has demanded the vice president of Nazareth Borough Council resign from his post amidst allegations he obstructed a state police investigation, according to a report in The Express-Times.

In a letter written Nov. 27, the report states, Police Chief Thomas Trachta said Councilman Larry Stoudt jeopardized a case when he entered police headquarters on May 24 uninvited. Stoudt saw a confidential informant involved in a drug investigation, which caused the informant to end his cooperation.

The borough paid $3,000 to install security keypads to prevent unauthorized entry into the station, according to the report.

Two days after Trachta issued his letter, a Patch reporter asked Stoudt about his future plans.

"I plan to stay right here," he said after Council's Nov. 29 workshop.

Stoudt was charged Oct. 9 with allegedly trying to interfere with a state police undercover investigation. According to a criminal complaint, he allegedly asked Trachta 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 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.

Stoudt waived his preliminary hearing Nov. 21 on a charge of criminal attempt – obstruction of law or government.

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

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.