Niagara Wheatfield Schools are the target of a state investigation into their handling of sexual harassment claims

BENSALEM, Pa. – Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo welcomed four new officers to the Bensalem Township Police Department during a swearing-in ceremony Tuesday. The ceremony, attended by family, friends and fellow officers, saw Officers Richard Adams, Samantha Worthington, Walter Wyatt and Vincenzo Primavera officially join the department.

Officer Richard Adams, a Kutztown University graduate and U.S. Air Force veteran, has transitioned from sheet metal technician in the Air Force Reserves to police officer. He completed his training at Temple University Police Academy on October 11, 2024.

Officer Samantha Worthington, who interned with the Bensalem Police Department while attending Millersville University, has worked as a Community Service Officer since 2020. After graduating from Temple University Police Academy earlier this month, she achieved her goal of becoming a full-time officer.

Officer Walter Wyatt brings seven years of experience to the Philadelphia Police Department, where he served in the 35th Precinct and earned multiple awards, including Officer of the Month in July 2018. Wyatt graduated from the Philadelphia Police Academy in 2017.

Officer Vincenzo Primavera, a graduate of Temple University and Eastern University, previously worked as a physical education teacher at Council Rock North High School before attending the Philadelphia Police Academy. In June 2024, he became a police officer in Philadelphia.

The Bensalem Police Department was proud of the new additions to its ranks and praised the hard work of the department’s hiring committee in selecting candidates who meet the community’s high standards. The department wished the new officers a safe and fulfilling career.

NEW YORK – A federal appeals court has reinstated a lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James against the Niagara Wheatfield Central School District (NWCSD), alleging the district failed to protect students against widespread sexual harassment and gender-based violence.

In June 2021, James filed a complaint against the district, accusing it of violating Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education. The lawsuit alleges that the school district “repeatedly and blatantly” ignored complaints of rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and gender-based bullying. The complaint highlights more than 30 documented incidents of gender discrimination, sexual harassment and assault in recent years, with the district allegedly failing to take adequate measures to protect students or establish written safety plans.

The lawsuit describes several specific cases, including that of a cheerleader, identified as “TG,” who was raped by a male student referred to as “ED.” Despite ED’s arrest, guilty plea to rape and a restraining order, school officials allegedly allowed TG School officials to dismiss her panic attacks as attention-seeking behavior, with a school principal reportedly refusing to excuse her absence after a attack. The complaint also noted a cheerleading coach’s comments that “girls are attacked all the time.”

The lawsuit also detailed the case of “CC,” a student who was bullied on the basis of gender for years, and that of “AS,” who was physically attacked during a school pep rally, with both incidents allegedly reported by the school ignored.

In March 2023, U.S. District Judge John Leonard Sinatra dismissed the case, ruling that the state had not sufficiently shown that the district’s failure to act constituted a broad “policy or practice” of discrimination. On Tuesday, however, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit reversed that decision, ruling that New York State had met the legal standard to proceed with the lawsuit under the doctrine of parents patriaeallowing a state to act on behalf of those unable to defend their rights – in this case, students.

The three-judge appeals panel, including Judges Robert Sack and José Cabranes, both appointed by Bill Clinton, and Judge Sarah Merriam, a Joe Biden appointee, ruled that James had established sufficient grounds to continue the lawsuit.

The case now goes back to the lower court for further hearing.

NEW YORK – The New York City Police Department is asking the public for help in identifying and locating a man wanted in connection with a rape that occurred early Sunday morning in the Bronx. The incident occurred within the 52nd Precinct.

Police report that on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at approximately 1:00 a.m., a 25-year-old woman was approached by an unknown man near Webster Avenue and East Mosholu Parkway South. The man sexually assaulted the victim before fleeing southbound on Webster Avenue.

The victim was transported to NYC Health and Hospitals/Jacobi in stable condition.

The suspect is described as a man with a slim build and a dark complexion. He was last seen wearing all black clothing.

Anyone with information regarding the incident or the identity of the individual is urged to contact the NYPD immediately.