Easton official eyes first-time offender program
Hopkins charged with threatening violence against 2 boys in October
Easton’s public works director, accused of threatening two youths in October, will apply for a program that would place him on probation and let him clear the charges from his record.
David G. Hopkins, 51, of the 300 block of Parsons Street, waived his right Wednesday to a preliminary hearing on charges of making terroristic threats and harassment, both misdemeanors, and two counts of harassment by following someone in a public place, which are summary offenses.
The Northampton
County district attorney’s office is allowing Hopkins to apply for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, a program that allows a firsttime, nonviolent offender to complete probation and have offenses removed from the record. A judge must approve his application for the program.
Hopkins said nothing and did not enter a plea while appearing before District Judge Robert C. Weber.
“We appreciate a reasonable resolution of the case,” said Hopkins’ attorney, Victor E. Scomillio.
The incident that led to Hopkins’ arrest happened about 5 p.m. Oct. 21 in the 300 block of Hamilton Street, just off Lafayette College’s campus, Easton police said. Hopkins was walking home when two boys, who were 12 and 11 at the time, approached him.
Police said one of the boys showed Hopkins a Pokemon game card, to which Hopkins said, “Good for you,” before dismissing him with an expletive. The younger boy muttered a curse word under his breath before the boys walked away. Hopkins followed the boys, who ran a few blocks to the entrance to Lafayette’s Allan P. Kirby Sports
Center on Pierce Street, police said.
The 11-year-old fled, but Hopkins caught up with the 12-year-old and told him, “Take this as a lesson. If I find you or that [expletive] again, I will hunt you down,” according to police. He threatened violence against the pair, police said.
Assistant District Attorney Adrianne E. Doll said the boys’ parents consented with allowing Hopkins to enter ARD.
“We’re not guaranteeing ARD at this point,” Doll said she told the youths’ parents. “We’re availing [Hopkins] of an opportunity to apply for it like anybody else in this same situation.”
Doll said Hopkins, while not admitting guilt or innocence, is agreeing to accept that prosecutors have enough evidence “to show something occurred.” She said before Hopkins’ next court appearance March 23, he must undergo more review by the probation department
As a top city administrator, Hopkins oversees more than 100 full- and part-time employees and an annual budget of more than $17 million.
Online records show his 2021 salary was $110,748. Former Mayor Phil Mitman named Hopkins public works director in 2004.
Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said Wednesday that Hopkins remains with the city.
Hopkins must continue reporting to Northampton County Pre-Trial Services while free on $5,000 bail and must stay away from the boys and their homes, according to Doll.