Council member questions appointment of rioting suspect amid ongoing felony trial

The Crafton Borough Council meeting on January 23, 2025, featured a significant discussion regarding the appointment of individuals to local committees amid concerns about criminal backgrounds. The conversation was sparked by comments from Council member Sheets, who expressed reservations about appointing Mr. Roma, who is currently awaiting trial on felony charges related to a riot at the University of Pittsburgh.

Sheets emphasized the importance of having community representatives who are "upstanding members" and raised concerns about the potential liability if someone with a criminal charge were to be appointed. He argued that while individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty, the implications of appointing someone facing serious charges should be carefully considered. Sheets shared his personal experience with criminal charges, advocating for thorough background checks for all candidates before appointments are made.

In response, another council member, Debbie Reagan, questioned Sheets about his own past, noting that he had previously served on a board despite having been charged with a crime. This exchange highlighted the complexity of evaluating candidates based on their backgrounds and the need for the council to consider each situation individually.

The discussion underscored the council's responsibility to ensure that those appointed to influential positions reflect the values and integrity of the community. As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the council would need to navigate these sensitive issues carefully in future appointments to maintain public trust and accountability.