Lebanon County NAACP demands accountability from District Attorney Graff over abuse allegations

The Lebanon County Commissioner Meeting held on December 19, 2024, featured a significant public comment from Michael Schroeder, secretary of the Lebanon County NAACP. Schroeder addressed the commissioners regarding serious concerns about the Lebanon County District Attorney's Office, led by Kerhard Graff, in response to allegations of abuse detailed in a recent investigative series published by PennLive.

Schroeder presented a letter from the NAACP expressing their deep concerns about the District Attorney's handling of abuse allegations, which they believe reflects a troubling pattern of responses. He emphasized the importance of the issue, noting that the investigation included nine articles that documented these concerns. Copies of the articles were provided to the commissioners for their review.

In his remarks, Schroeder outlined the NAACP's request for the commissioners to urge the District Attorney's Office to respond publicly and in writing to specific questions raised in their correspondence. He acknowledged that while the commissioners do not have direct authority over the District Attorney, they possess a platform to advocate for accountability and transparency regarding the handling of abuse cases.

Schroeder highlighted the mission statement of the District Attorney's Office, which emphasizes a commitment to victim rights and public engagement. He argued that the current responses to abuse allegations indicate a failure to uphold these commitments. The NAACP's call for action aims to ensure that victims' rights are prioritized and that the community is engaged in discussions about these critical issues.

The meeting continued with an invitation for additional public comments, indicating an ongoing dialogue about community concerns and the role of local government in addressing them.