Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania school cop accused of molesting student, 14, while chaperoning dance
![Pennsylvania school cop accused of molesting student, 14, while chaperoning dance](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/Untitled-01-6.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=1024)
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.
![](https://newspub.live/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/np-logo.png)
Pennsylvania
PA News Quiz: SCOTUS rulings, summer Olympics
![PA News Quiz: SCOTUS rulings, summer Olympics](https://www.spotlightpa.org/imgproxy/insecure/rt:fill/w:1200/h:900/g:sm/el:1/q:75/MjAyMy8wOC8wMWpkLWFoN2Ytc3Bmcy1mejh5LmpwZWc=.jpeg)
We cannot afford to leave journalism — a vital component of our beloved communities — in the hands of absent corporate owners, hedge funds, and agenda-driven billionaires. Many have spent the past two decades gutting our local news institutions.
Spotlight PA is blazing a bold new path forward, and for a limited time, your support will be DOUBLED.
We are independent, beholden to no corporate interests or profit motives. We’re strictly nonpartisan, with no political agenda, no policy preferences, and no opinion content. And we are nonprofit, allowing us to offer all of our journalism at no cost thanks to the generosity of thousands of people across Pennsylvania.
Our talented journalists produce stories you won’t find anywhere else, tracking our hard-earned tax dollars, exploring hugely consequential policy decisions, and holding our elected officials accountable. That reporting drives real and substantial change for the better.
Your support of Spotlight PA allows us to continue this urgent work and mission, ensuring all in Pennsylvania can access trusted, quality journalism that’s unique, relevant, illuminating, and inspiring. If you can, please consider donating to Spotlight PA just once, or better yet, support us every month with a sustaining gift to help us grow and build for the future.
For a limited time, all gifts will be DOUBLED in honor of Independence Day.
Thank you.
Christopher Baxter
CEO & President, Spotlight PA
PS: If you prefer to mail a check, you can send it to:
Spotlight PA,
PO Box 11728,
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1728
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware governors attend meeting with Biden about debate
![Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware governors attend meeting with Biden about debate](https://assets2.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/07/04/3cc950ee-41b7-49d0-849e-911e804a49d1/thumbnail/1200x630/da5e2990f3b6509cb119c24e76aaab7e/46cb98a67be11166a7f250b35000569d.jpg?v=57e8061b2038d609da26e467de5ddfb8)
Watch CBS News
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.
Pennsylvania
New bill aims to make restaurant streeteries permanent across Pennsylvania
![New bill aims to make restaurant streeteries permanent across Pennsylvania](https://cdn.abcotvs.com/dip/images/15025950_070324-wpvi-streeteries-phila-5pm-vid-vid.jpg?w=1600)
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — It looks like streeteries across Pennsylvania are here to stay.
Many restaurants expanded their outdoor dining by adding streeteries during the pandemic.
George Profi, who owns Ambrosia at 24th and Locust streets, says his streetery seats 30 people and it’s open year-round, with fans for the heat.
“These are the first reservations where people go in and the last reservation that people ask for,” said Profi.
The COVID dining permits were set to expire at the end of this year. Now, streeteries are expected to be permanent thanks to House Bill 829.
“There are some restaurants and taverns that have shut down because of the COVID restrictions, and some are still trying to get back on their feet and the outdoor dining does really help them,” said state Senator Lisa M. Boscola (D-Northampton).
Boscola is championing the bill, which allows restaurants in Pennsylvania to expand from 400 to 1,000 square feet. She’s also throwing restaurants more lifelines as part of her updates to the state liquor code included in the bill, like a happy hour extension from 14 hours a week to 24.
Alcoholic beverages can be included in a discount combo meal. In all, restaurant owners can now be confident that their streeteries are here to stay.
“The predictability now at the statewide level gives restaurants some certainty as they kind of explore things moving forward,” said Zak Pyzik, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association (PRLA).
The Senate just approved the bill, so now it’s going to go back to the House for another vote.
It’s expected to pass the House. It would be implemented within a week or so after the governor signs it.
Copyright © 2024 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
-
Politics1 week ago
Supreme Court to review Tennessee ban of puberty blockers, transgender surgery for minors
-
News1 week ago
Supreme Court to decide whether states can restrict gender-affirming care for minors | CNN Politics
-
World1 week ago
Far-right politician back in German court over use of Nazi slogan
-
Politics1 week ago
Oakland mayor breaks silence after FBI raid: ‘I have done nothing wrong’
-
News1 week ago
Where Joe Biden and Donald Trump Stand on the Issues
-
Politics1 week ago
Popular Republican and Trump running mate contender makes first Senate endorsement in 2024 races
-
News1 week ago
Toplines: June 2024 Times/Siena Poll of Registered Voters Nationwide
-
Movie Reviews1 week ago
Movie review: Thelma thieves and steals your heart