![]() While he did choose to bring charges against Rosfeld, he has been called out for not having a use-of-force expert testify as a witness. Zappala was responsible for prosecuting Rosfeld, and although he said that he disagreed with the verdict, the acquittal prompted criticism of his handling of the case. The Youth Power Collective-a student-led activism organization that was a central part of planning the march-outlined ten demands to improve the lives of people of color in Allegheny County, including getting rid of Zappala. Last March, students filled the streets to protest the jury’s decision and demand justice for Rose. She says she is running because “the incumbent’s years of poor judgement have harmed victims, cost taxpayers millions, and torn apart families.” She echoes the criticisms that have been brought against Zappala by criminal justice reformers since he was appointed to this position in 1998.ĭuring his 21 year tenure as DA, Zappala has received flak for issues including the prosecution of low-level drug possession cases (over 1,700 cases in 2017 according to The Appeal ), charging juveniles as adults (80% of whom were Black in 20 according to The Appeal ), and his use of drug forfeiture money for surveillance cameras.Īfter the acquittal of Michael Rosfeld, the former police officer who shot and killed unarmed Black teenager Antwon Rose, some activists called for Zappala’s removal. Middleman has worked as a public defender for 32 years. As Middleman’s campaign frames it, their job is to decide which cases to investigate, prosecute, or divert to treatment or services. The Allegheny County DA oversees the DA Office, which is responsible for bringing charges against individuals who commit crimes and prosecuting the cases on behalf of the state. Since Zappala won both the Democratic and Republican primaries and Middleman was not on either ballot, she is running as an independent candidate. Zappala faced opposition in the primary election last May from fellow Democratic candidate Turahn Jenkins, but ultimately won the race. ![]() In the upcoming Pennsylvania general elections on November 5, Lisa Middleman will challenge long-time incumbent Stephen Zappala for the position of Allegheny County District Attorney (DA).
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