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Courts & Fire - Tullytown Borough

Judge Rules in Favor of Fmr Tullytown Police Chief’s Whistleblower Claim, Lawsuit Moves Forward

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A Bucks County Common Pleas Judge recently ruled that former Tullytown Chief of Police Michael Martin’s whistleblower claim can move forward in the two-count lawsuit his attorney  Scott M. Pollins of Pollins Law filed last February, on his behalf.

Judge Jeffrey Finley issued his decision on August 12 giving Tullytown Borough 20 business days to respond.

Finley wrote:

AND NOW, this 12 day of Aug ,2025, upon consideration of Defendant’s Preliminary Objections to the Amended Complaint, and any response thereto, it is hereby ORDERED and DECREED that:
1. Defendant’s Preliminary Objection in the Nature of a Demurrer to Violation of the Whistleblower Law is OVERRULED; and
2. Defendant’s Preliminary Objection in the Nature of a Demurrer to Public Policy Wrongful Discharge is OVERRULED.

It is FURTHER ORDERED that Defendant shall file an Answer to the Amended Complaint within twenty (20) days of the date of this Order.

“Mr. Martin and I are pleased that the Court has allowed our case to go forward. Whistleblowers are important to the effective operation of government workplaces. Mr. Martin blew the whistle during his tenure as Chief of Police for Tullytown Borough. Instead of seriously considering his complaints, the Borough fired him for not being the ‘yes man’ they thought they hired. Mr. Martin looks forward to having a jury hear his case and decide whether Tullytown’s actions were justified,” said Pollins

Lower Bucks Source was first to break the news about the existence of the  lawsuit. 

Martin is suing the borough for terminating his employment in retaliation for blowing the whistle about dangerous police understaffing and refusing the borough’s directions to violate the law. Martin brings his legal claims under the Whistleblower Act.  Also, he claims wrongful discharge based on public policy, the court filing says. 

Credit: Tullytown Borough

“Mike subsequently filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Tullytown Borough. In his lawsuit, Mike states that when he refused to comply with Tullytown’s demands that he engage in conduct he reasonably believed was wrong and unlawful, he faced escalating animosity from Tullytown,”  Pollins said in January.

“Michael Martin has worked in law enforcement for decades. In May 2023, Mike became the Chief of Police for Tullytown Borough. Less than six months later, Tullytown fired Mike and gave him no reason for doing so,” Pollins said earlier this year.

From beginning to end Martin’s tenure as Chief was controversial and heated.

Council meetings became a public war of words with locals taking sides and vocalizing their positions.

At one meeting, representatives from the Bucks County Police Chiefs Association showed up as a symbolic show of support for Martin.

Martin was hired in May of 2023 and fired by council days before his probationary period concluded in November of 2023.

Martin,  for each count in the lawsuit is asking for at least $50,000.00 in damages and to be reinstated  as Chief of Police.

Nate Aldsworth was hired by the borough in February to lead the department replacing Martin.

Officials from Tullytown unavailable for comment when this story went live earlier today.

Tullytown in court papers has said they were within their rights to terminate Martin claiming was he was not entitled to whistleblower status because the allegation was made only in self interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cops

Buyers Beware: Thieves Are Using Social Media to Sell Stolen Vehicles, Cops Say

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Police across the commonwealth are warning consumers looking to purchase vehicles online about an uptick in reports in which thieves are using social media based sites to sell stolen vehicles.

Police departments across  Pennsylvania are seeing an uptick of cases in which criminals are using channels like Facebook Marketplace to sell stolen vehicles, often with counterfeit titles or falsified paperwork, law enforcement officials say.

At least one investigator reported, investigators say, that of the vehicles recovered, almost none of them exhibit signs of tampering or damage.

Be cautious and help protect yourself:

  • Verify Vehicle History: Always check the vehicle identification number (VIN) and run a full vehicle history report.
  • Avoid Cash-Only Transactions: Use traceable payment methods and meet sellers in safe, public locations.
  • Inspect Carefully: Look for signs of tampering and never buy a car without confirming its ownership and documentation.

And always remember, authorities say,  if something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts. Stay alert, stay safe, and don’t let a quick deal turn into a costly mistake.

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Cops, Courts & Fire -Lower Makefield Township

Fmr Lower Makefield Supervisor Arrested for DUI

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A former Lower Makefield Township (LMT) Supervisor has been arrested and charged with for driving under the influence (DUI) by Tullytown Borough Police.

According to a press release on  Jan 16 at approximately 9:50 p.m, police conducted a traffic stop on Jeffrey Benedetto, 56 of Bristol  in the area of 100 Main St.

During the interaction with Benedetto the Tullytown Police officer  determined Benedetto he was so  intoxicated it rendered him incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle.

Benedetto was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence, police said and will be charged via a mail summons.

Benedetto, a Republican, served (2012 to 2018)  one term on the LMT Board of Supervisors

Benedetto, will be summoned to appear in court and answer to the charge (s) at a date yet to be determined.

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Cops

DA-Elect Khan Prepares to Take Office; Transition Team to Seek Community Input

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District Attorney-elect Joe Khan earlier this month formally announced the launch of his Transition Committee.

Khan thanked outgoing District Attorney Jennifer Schorn for her support during this process.

For the remainder of 2025, the Transition Committee will advise Khan as he prepares to take the oath of office in January, a transition team spokesman said.

“In 2026, the committee will reorganize and seek community input for reforms that can be recommended to Khan during his first 120 days in Office. The Committee will conclude its work by assessing and reporting on the status of any recommended actions and strategies,” officials said in a release.be

Last week Khan announced Brendan Flynn (Chief of Staff) Kristin McElroy (Chief Deputy District Attorney) and Elizabeth Oquendo (First Chief of Civil Enforcement) would be joining his team.

“Brendan’s life in public service began at age 18 when he was sworn in at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and has included service as a homicide prosecutor in Philadelphia and as an aide to then-Congressman Patrick Murphy in Bucks County. I’ve worked with Brendan to resolve high stakes matters over the last few years and I can’t wait for him to step into this critical new role serving and protecting our community!,” said Khan.

Flynn also co-chairs the transition team.

Credit: Submitted

“KMac” is an exceptional public servant who has dedicated her career to protecting the most vulnerable in Bucks County. Her integrity, energy and work ethic will set the standard of excellence in this exciting next chapter of the DA’s Office!,” the DA elect said.

“Oquendo will be returning to Bucks from the PA Attorney General’s Office, where she has enforced consumer protection laws to keep us safe from unscrupulous business practices. I am so excited to work with Elizabeth again!,” Khan said.

“I’m blown away by the talent and wisdom of these legal superstars and grateful for their counsel as we equip the DA’s Office to address the 21st century challenges facing crime victims, working families, and our environment,” the DA-Elect said.

Khan was elected District Attorney this past November earning 54% of the vote, winning more votes than any candidate for this office in the history of Bucks County, according to his transition team.

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