The Slatington Police Department, under the direction of Chief Greg Winokur, received a round of applause and thanks for the work they have done in the community.

Slatington resident Kris Burek expressed her thanks especially for the arrest of David Rockel, 59, of Slatington, who is accused of operating out of a house near hers.

Approximately 8 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, with a street value of around $370,000, 14 illegally-owned firearms, plus cash and other items were seized Wednesday, April 19, from a home in the 1200 block of Fourth Street in Slatington. The investigation led to the arrest of Rockel.

“I was elated,” Burek said. “I am going around and thanking every one of the law enforcement agencies that was involved in this. I also have to thank someone who isn’t here; and that is former Chief Dave Rachman, who was instrumental in starting this two years ago. Thank you, Chief Winokur, and please express my gratitude to the entire police department. Mayor, thank you for your part in this, too.”

“I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to our Slatington Police Department for some of the work they’ve done over the last month. I see a big change in our department since you have been here, a change for the best. I am very happy and very proud of all of you,” Mayor Jeralyn Schoch said.

“I would advise everyone to follow the Slatington Police Department’s Facebook page,” Schoch added. https://www.facebook.com/SlatingtonPolice

Winokur briefed the borough council of additional arrests.

“Brian Sauerwine, described as a violent sexual predator, failed to register under Megan’s Law as required by the state,” Winokur said. “As the mayor said, we are starting to utilize social media much more. Because of the post that we posted, we were able to apprehend him in less than 24 hours with the help of the community.”

Winokur presented the numbers for April 2023 compared to April 2022.

Total incidents for April 2023 were 301 compared to 259 for April 2022.

Four criminal arrests in April 2023, same as 2022.

Twenty-two traffic citations in April 2023, 11 in 2022.