Brownsville residents still demanding answers
BROWNSVILLE — While the FBI continues to investigate recent allegations involving the Brownsville Borough police department and pornography found on a borough computer, the residents are still voicing their concerns.
Several people who have attended Brownsville Borough Council meetings in the past continued to express their dismay with the department, including Albert DeSalvo. First speaking to council in February, DeSalvo returned in March to explain his concern for his friend, who now drives him to and from work. According to DeSalvo, she was being followed by the officer who arrested him. Since then, he said he still doesn’t feel as if his concerns are taken seriously by council.
“I come here every month, trying to bring this to your attention, and you don’t even respond to me,” DeSalvo said during Tuesday’s council meeting. “I can’t understand why.”
President Jack Lawver emphasized that the records are being investigated behind closed doors.
Personnel matters of that nature are not to be addressed during a public meeting, he said.
Also speaking out against the department was Tyrone Smith, who noted that several complaints have been filed in the past few years. Referring to the minutes from previous meetings dating back to last year, he listed names of people who have addressed council in terms of police department operation, specifically with one officer.
“Now I don’t know where the written complaints are going, but I can name several that have and if I have to, I can bring them to the next meeting,” Smith said. “I advise council to check their minutes.”
Following Smith’s comments, councilman Ross Swords suggested that councilman John Hosler forfeit his involvement in the FBI investigation, claiming that Hosler provided information to residents. Smith started to raise his voice, as did Hosler, who said he didn’t give anything to DeSalvo.
“He’s not going to put a lie on me,” Smith said.