Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli addressed members of the Mid Eastern Counties Association of Boroughs at its February meeting in Northampton, commending them for their work in keeping the residents and their communities safe.

Speaking in council chambers at borough hall. Morganelli said, “You folks are on the front line. I always value that.”

With the county growing over 25 years - now with a population of 300,000 - Morganelli said he job of his office has also grown. In the past, he said, the staff consisted of mostly part-time assistant district attorneys. Now, there are 17 full-time assistant district attorneys and seven part-time.

The assistant DAs specialize in units, homicide, DUI, white collar crimes, domestic, grand jury and violent offenses.

Regarding the recent heroin and opioid addition in the area, Morganelli said, “I am very big on treatment.”

Nevertheless, he is committed to getting “the drug pushers” behind bars, adding “99.99 percent of the drugs come from Mexico. That’s a matter of fact.”

He said it is imperative to cut the supply of drugs coming into the country and the county.

“We have a drug court in Northampton County,” said Morganelli, who played a role in establishing it.

Regarding immigration, Morganelli said he has attempted to tackle the illegal immigration issue long before it became a national concern. He stated illegal immigrants charged with crimes have been dealt with by his office and that will be the case going forward when complaints are made.

Among the attendees from boroughs across the region were, from Northampton, Mayor Thomas Reenock, council members Keith Piescienski, Judy Kutzler and Anthony Lopsonzski Sr. and borough Manager LeRoy Brobst and, from Coplay, Mayor Dean Molitoris and Councilman Charlie Sodl.