Pa. county studies court for troubled veterans

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Veterans who commit crimes related to stress or other combat-related disorders might soon have their cases heard in a different kind of court in western Pennsylvania.

Allegheny County Judge Michael McCarthy is leading the effort to establish Pennsylvania’s first veterans court in Allegheny County, which serves Pittsburgh and its suburbs.

The 58-year-old judge is a former Navy Seabee and Vietnam Veteran. He says the court would let veterans who commit misdemeanors get counseling for problems like post-traumatic stress disorder or substance abuse instead of incarceration.

A task force will be formed later this month to work out the details. Officials hope the court will prevent veterans from becoming repeat offenders.