Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania school cop accused of molesting student, 14, while chaperoning dance
A twisted Pennsylvania school resource officer was arrested Wednesday for allegedly pressuring a 14-year-old student into a sexual relationship and molesting her during a school dance he was chaperoning.
Costas Nick Alestas, 43, is also accused of sneaking a disturbing up-the-skirt video of an 11-year-old girl as she walked down the hallway at East Hills Middle School in Bethlehem.
Alestas’ alleged abuse came to light last month when the teenager confided in a guidance counselor about the weeks-long relationship, officials said.
Her mother had previously found a trove of dirty text messages between the pair, but Alestas — who was also the school’s co-ed soccer coach — tried avoiding capture by using a second phone number, the Bethlehem Police Department said Wednesday.
“There was deceptive behavior trying to mask who the text messages were from,” Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott said at a press conference.
The teenager quickly gave him up when investigators questioned her, saying he had given her his personal phone number while they were on school grounds.
“The communication with Alestas included conversations about engaging in sexual acts. As the communication between Alestas and the victim continued, the interactions progressed into several encounters involving sexual contact between the two,” the department said in a release.
The perverted encounters allegedly took place both during the school day in his office and after school inside Alestas’s car, police said.
One horrifying incident even occurred “during a school dance while Alestas was on duty and in police uniform.”
That same day, the disgraced school cop also allegedly filmed the video of the second, 11-year-old victim, which was recovered when investigators combed through his phone.
An analysis of Alestas’ phone showed about 4,980 messages exchanged with the 14-year-old, and 49 phone calls, since March 26, according to a police affidavit obtained by Lehigh Valley News.
The arrest came as a shock to the Bethlehem Police Department, who said Alestas was a respected six-year veteran of the department.
“There was no indication that this was going on or that this individual had engaged in any of this behavior. He was well-liked at the school. He had received awards of merit and the past. So this comes as an absolute shock and surprise,” Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott said.
Alestas was immediately placed on administrative leave and has been charged with several felony offenses, including statutory sexual assault, institutional sexual assault and invasion of privacy.
Court records show Alestas was unable to post bail and remains in the county jail.
Alestas became the second school resource officer in Northampton County to be arrested and charged with allegedly carrying out an inappropriate relationship with a student in the last few weeks.
Ex-Easton Area High School officer John Smoke was busted last month after he allegedly “sent explicit photos to an underage student.”
“We need to start talking about whether there’s prophylactic measures. We can take as far as policy and procedures that can lessen opportunities for this kind of behavior,” Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta said Wednesday.
Pennsylvania
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Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree is on leave after he was seen on video placing a student in a chokehold during a high school walkout earlier this month.
Borough Solicitor Peter Nelson told 6abc and other outlets Friday that McElree, who also serves as the borough manager, is currently on workers’ compensation leave. A request for comment from Nelson was not immediately returned Saturday.
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office is currently investigating the police department’s response to a student-led protest against the Trump administration federal enforcement actions on Feb. 20.
After more than 30 students walked out of Bucks County’s Quakertown Community High School, a violent confrontation with Quakertown officers saw at least five students arrested. The students have since been charged with aggravated assault, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Police claim that students threw snowballs at the responding officers on the scene and kicked their cars.
The Pennsylvania Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from Feb. 27 drawing
11-18-39-43-67, Mega Ball: 23
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 2 numbers from Feb. 27 drawing
Day: 4-7, Wild: 5
Evening: 8-8, Wild: 0
Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from Feb. 27 drawing
Day: 6-7-7, Wild: 5
Evening: 0-0-3, Wild: 0
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from Feb. 27 drawing
Day: 7-2-1-4, Wild: 5
Evening: 5-7-3-1, Wild: 0
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from Feb. 27 drawing
Day: 8-4-5-4-4, Wild: 5
Evening: 1-1-9-8-7, Wild: 0
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 5 numbers from Feb. 27 drawing
04-14-16-20-38
Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Treasure Hunt numbers from Feb. 27 drawing
02-04-08-13-30
Check Treasure Hunt payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Match 6 Lotto numbers from Feb. 27 drawing
10-12-23-31-33-46
Check Match 6 Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from Feb. 27 drawing
03-04-13-28-42, Bonus: 02
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
- Sign the Ticket: Ensure your ticket has your signature, name, address and phone number on the back.
- Prizes up to $600: Claim at any PA Lottery retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
- Prizes from $600 to $2,500: Use a Claim Form to claim at a retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
- Prizes over $2,500: Mail your signed ticket with a Claim Form or in person at a Lottery Area Office (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Lottery Headquarters is currently not open to the public. Visit the PA Lottery website for other office locations near you.
When are the Pennsylvania Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: 1:35 p.m. and 6:59 p.m. daily.
- Cash4Life: 9 p.m. daily.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily
- Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. daily.
- Treasure Hunt: 1:35 p.m. daily.
- Match 6 Lotto: 6:59 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
- Powerball Double Play: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Pennsylvania editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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