Mt. Lebanon Police Officer Defendant in PFA Case UPDATED

Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders are a very important civil process granted by the courts in cases of domestic violence and abuse.  MLPD recommends and handles these orders regularly, so we are extremely familiar with their significance in protecting victims of violence in domestic situations.  

In case you are not familiar with the process for obtaining a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order in Pennsylvania, please allow me to explain.  One party, who alleges that they are a victim of domestic violence, may appear in front of a judge in order to voice their allegation of abuse and/or fear for their safety.  Based on the account of this single party, without the opposing party being heard, the judge must render a decision whether or not to grant the PFA order.  Rightfully so, judges usually err on the side of caution and grant the court order to help protect the victim.  These orders are initially temporary and usually last for approximately one to two weeks until a hearing can be scheduled in front of the judge.  At this hearing, both parties have the opportunity to voice their side of the story, call witnesses, present evidence, etc.  At the conclusion of the hearing, and after listening to both sides, the judge will decide if the PFA should be extended, amended or vacated completely.

Also an important component of PFA orders is their requirement to surrender firearms for the duration of the order.  This is crucial to protecting victims from further abuse or possible death.  Firearms are handed over and secured until the results of the hearing are known.

Accordingly, Cpl. Hughes is not scheduled to work the streets until after he has had his opportunity to have his case heard by the judge.  We (MLPD) will await the results of the PFA hearing, scheduled for next week, before he will be allowed to work in uniform for the MLPD.  It is also important that we allow for due process to occur and provide him his opportunity to have his day in court.

It should also be noted that MLPD was in contact with the Pennsylvania State Police about this alleged incident.  The independent State Police investigation has concluded and did not recommend any criminal charges against Cpl. Hughes in this incident.

Thanks,