State Rep. Tim O'Neal | Pennsylvania 48th Legislative District
State Rep. Tim O'Neal | Pennsylvania 48th Legislative District
House Republican Whip Rep. Tim O’Neal has announced plans to introduce a resolution to impeach Magisterial District Judge Xander Orenstein of Allegheny County. This decision follows the release of Anthony Quesen, who was charged with assault and robbery but was released on no-cash bail by Judge Orenstein. Quesen allegedly killed a state law enforcement officer after his release.
"This killing could have happened anywhere, including Washington County," stated O'Neal. He expressed concern over the judge's decisions, claiming that "the criminals Xander Orenstein has been turning loose without bail have been free to roam the entire region."
Orenstein is under scrutiny for previous cases where he released suspects without requiring bail. In one instance, Yan Carlos Cepeda was freed without bail despite being found with over a kilogram of cocaine. Another case involved Hermas Craddock, accused of leading police on a high-speed chase and other charges.
O'Neal criticized the judge's actions, stating, "A judge who lets dangerous suspects on the street as a matter of routine policy poses a danger to all Pennsylvanians." He intends to see Judge Orenstein removed from office.
Under Pennsylvania law, an elected official can be removed through impeachment initiated in the state House and followed by a trial in the state Senate.
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