Police Beat

54 counts of rape involving a 5-year-old girl, charges that a Lansdale man faces in connection with the sexual abuse that dates back to December of 2011. 41-year-old, Samuel Arthur waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Montgomery County Court on Tuesday. Arthur faces a formal arraignment on May 8th. Arthur’s wife, Anita, was in court Tuesday supporting her husband’s claim that he did not commit the crimes. Anita Bouhourie lives with four minor children. Arthur’s bail has been reduced from 175-thousand dollars to 99-thousand dollars and he’s ordered to have no contact with his wife’s children.

It’s three to six years in state prison for a man who was involved in a meth ring. 44-year-old, Frank Messina, was sentenced Tuesday in Montgomery County Court. Authorities say, Messina, an Upper Gwynedd resident, conspired with numerous participants to delivery and use meth. Prosecutors say that Messina’s involvement occurred between December of 2011 and March of last year. When he’s paroled, Messina will face 21-years of supervised probation. Judge Thomas Gavin called Messina a drug dealer and drug user, using lies and manipulation to get what he wanted. The prosecution says Messina was a key cog in the meth operation and deserved additional prison time.

While the family, friends and colleagues of Plymouth Township Police Officer Bradley Fox still mourn his loss, there is a glimmer of hope in the midst of sorrow for everyone who knew and loved Officer fox. The Marine Veteran lost his life in the line of duty in September during a traffic stop and ensuing chase in the Township. Fox’s wife, Lynsay, gave birth to a son. The Fox family welcomed Bradley Michael Fox Jr. just before 9AM Monday. Brad Jr. weighed in at 7 pounds and 11 ounces.

Animal cruelty and additional charges have been filed against a Franconia Township man after police found numerous animals, including a goat, reptiles, dogs, cats and chinchillas living in poor conditions. Franconia Township police also found several unsecured rifles at the home of 52-year-old Earl Heitz III, a resident of the 100 block of Forrest road in Franconia Township. S.P.C.A and Franconia Township’s Code Enforcement Department also converged on the home, finding 21 animals. Heitz, who was not permitted at his home, tried to get in later and was arrested. He faces a preliminary hearing on March 29th. Police also say Heitz was prohibited from owning weapons due to a previous run-in with the legal system. He was released after posting 50-thousand dollars bail.