Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano
(Beaver, Pa.) Former Ambridge Police Chief James Mann was found not guilty of theft by deception and witness intimidation at a jury trial that lasted 5 days.
Deliberations lasted 4 hours and the jury delivered the verdict .Senior Judge Thomas Piccione from Lawrence County presided over the case. Mann was represented by his defense attorney Stephen Colafella.
The charges filed against Mann were theft by deception for falsifying time sheets, and receiving almost $54,,000 and threatening one of his officers.. An investigation in the former chief was requested by the newly elected Mayor Dave Drewnowski in March 2018
District Attorney David J. Lozier said it was tough case from the start. He said in a written statement The question was it theft to manufacture benefits violating his contract and costing the borough thousands of dollars while he was not permitted to work after a non work related injury?. The jury said it was not theft