Wiretapping investigation is halted
NEW CASTLE, Pa. — A court order has ceased a police investigation into whether a newspaper reporter illegally taped a telephone conversation with a police officer and another official.
The order, handed down Thursday by visiting Judge Michael Wherry, said the New Castle News must implement a policy requiring reporters to obtain consent before recording any telephone conversations.
Pennsylvania law requires both parties to be notified that a conversation is being taped.
The order goes on to state that the Commonwealth agrees not to prosecute reporter Pat Litowitz or any other of the newspaper’s employees for violating wiretapping laws.
New Castle Police seized Litowitz’s work computer last month after receiving a complaint from Northwest Regional Police Chief Jim Morris that Litowitz had taped a telephone interview without Morris’ consent.
Morris learned of the tape from his wife, Debbie, who also is a reporter at the newspaper.
Police Chief Tom Sansone said he’s disappointed with the agreement. “We still maintain that we had a valid investigation,” Sansone said.