Since I posed the question my original thought was to just spew venom about what occurred. But that would be unproductive and cause people to dig their heels in. When I was appointed to the police department that I worked for (not Lackawanna) 40 years ago you could not get hired if you had more that 1-2 traffic tickets on your record (I’ve seen it happen). Are the standards that low now in Lackawanna? Am I castigating the entire Lackawanna Police Department? No. I have friends and a family member who were Lackawanna Police Officers. All were hardworking, honest men. I am calling into question the character, integrity and honesty of one individual recently hired by the police department. So now the question arises: “where’s the proof?” At this point there is none. The rape took place two years ago. So it is a he-said, she- said situation at this point. I believe the girl. There were text messages from the individual to the girl to not tell anyone about it. We are still trying to retrieve them. If that is possible there will be criminal action. It is for that reason I do not identify the individual. And I will leave out the details of the crime. But if you want to know who it is, call your council member and ask. None of the city council members were aware of the District Attorney’s investigation until I called them about it. Or ask the mayor’s wife. She was sent a text message from the girl’s mother explaining the situation. Or ask the mayor. He didn’t return my phone call. I know the politics of Lackawanna. My mother was born in the “Old Village” and grew up on Ingham Ave. I lived in Lackawanna before I was appointed to a suburban police department. So what can we expect? You be the judge (no pun intended). Oh yeah – my reason for the interest in this matter. The girl is my granddaughter.